PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Above the Clouds: Telescopes on Mauna Kea
This video segment adapted from First Light explains why the highest peak in the Pacific, Mauna Kea, is an ideal site for astronomical observations. Featured are new telescope technologies that allow astronomers to explore the universe...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Absorption of Radiant Energy by Different Colors
In this science fair project, use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of differently colored paper exposed to sunlight, and calculate energy emission using the Stefan-Boltzmann equation. Find discussion questions, a list...
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: Supernovae Remnants
A brief description of supernova remnants with many embedded links to help define terms used in the description. The specific topics are age and the importance of remnants to us and the types. Definitions of key words are provided.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Physics/light
Here is a large collection of simple science class activities for understanding the physics of light.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Designing a Spectroscopy Mission
Students find and calculate the angle that light is transmitted through a holographic diffraction grating using trigonometry. After finding this angle, student teams design and build their own spectrographs, researching and designing a...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Laser Light Properties: Protecting the Mummified Troll!
Students learn and use the properties of light to solve the following challenge: "A mummified troll was discovered this summer at our school and it has generated lots of interest worldwide. The principal asked us, the technology classes,...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Light Up Your Life
Students are introduced to the correct technical vocabulary for lighting, which is different than layperson's terms. They learn about lamp (light bulb) technology and how to identify the various types of lighting in their spaces. They...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Wave Particle Duality
The dualistic nature of light is discussed. The photoelectric effect and the Davisson-Germer experiment are contrasted as empirical evidence supporting each of the two views - particle and wave - of the nature of light. The photoelectric...
Curated OER
Georgia State University: Color
This site from Georgia State University discusses the location of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes the wavelength values for various colors of light within the visible light spectrum.
California Institute of Technology
Ipac: Iras Gallery
This site from IPAC is a series of images of various celestial objects and regions as viewed in infrared light. Each photo is accompanied by a caption.
NASA
Nasa: Imagine the Universe: Welcome to the World of X Ray Astronomy
Site recounts how X-rays were discovered as well as who discovered them. Offers graphics, links to facts on this topic, a quiz, and teacher resources.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Atmospheric Processes Radiation
This site provides background information, images, and an activity to help students understand the concept of radiation. Includes both the student pages and a teachers guide with lesson plan.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy: Infrared and Ultraviolet/visible Spectroscopy Questions
Practice questions over infrared and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy questions.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: Waves of Energy More or Less
Students create and observe wavelengths at both high and low energy levels using safety glasses, rope, and a power drill
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physics: Wave Optics Study Guide
A study guide for concepts related to wave optics.
Upper Canada District School Board
Tom Stretton's Advanced Placement Chemistry: Atomic Structure and Periodicity
This chemistry e-textbook provides students with AP-level reading and practice material on atomic structure and periodicity.
TED Talks
Ted: Ted Ed: What Is Color?
Colm Kelleher describes the physics behind colors- why the colors we see are related to the period of motion and the frequency of waves. [3:09]
My Science Site
Optics: Energy and Control [Pdf]
A very comprehensive unit including topics such as light and its source, visible sources of light, transparency of objects and much more. Also offers a resource list, blackline masters, and expectation list, expectation summary and a...
NASA
Nasa: Space Place: What Is Infrared?
See images and read about examples of infrared rays, and learn how they behave in different conditions.
University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Ucar: About Ozone
A detailed overview of the chemistry of ozone and its role in the atmosphere. Students learn about the benefits and hazards of ozone. All information is reinforced through pictures, graphs, and learning activities. Learning activities...
NASA
Nasa Star Child: The Universe (Level 2)
This site provides a description of the universe and what it contains. Includes links to definitions, activities, and an audio song. Printable version available.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Working of an Infrared Thermometer
Learn how an infrared thermometer works and what each of its parts does. A chart lists the different applications of infrared thermometers by the wavelength each emits.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Heat and Heat Transfer Methods: Radiation
By the end of this section, you will be able to discuss heat transfer by radiation and explain the radiant power of different materials.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Earth Science: Solar Energy on Earth
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] A breakdown of the types of energy that Earth receives from the sun.