Curated OER
Everybody Needs a Little Sunshine
Three activities introduce upper elementary ecologists to photosynthesis and food webs. In the first, an experiment is set up to determine how plants respond to different types of light. In the second, they connect organism cards with...
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Herschel Infrared Experiment
Middle schoolers perform a version of the experiment of 1800 by the famous astronomer Sir Frederick William Herschel.
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Ways to See the Sun
Young scholars examine how the regions of the Sun are studied using spectroscopy. They investigate the electromagnetic spectrum and the types of radiation that are associated with it. They use prisms and CD's to examine the light...
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Extreme Flashlight Tag
Fifth graders view a Powerpoint show about reflecting light. They experiment through a reflection simulation on the internet. Students complete the activity by using mirrors and light to complete send light to a specified spot.
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Constructing a Spectroscope
Students construct a simple spectroscope. They observe the emission spectrum produce by a source of light.
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Differential Thermal Calorimetry
High schoolers access prior knowledge of infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, gamma rays, x-rays and cosmic waves. In this electromagnetic waves lesson, students hold a mock trial electromagnetic spectrum. High schoolers present...
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Applied Science - Technology (5A) Lab
Fifth graders explore electromagnetic waves and light. In this light lesson, 5th graders draw the parts of a wave of the electromagnetic spectrum. They compare a flashlight to a laser to see how the light looks when shined through...
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Galaxies
Tenth graders explore the structure and content of galaxies. Through discussion, lab, and hands-on activities, they discover the general structure of the three types of galaxies as well as the effect they have on the structure and...
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Luminous Efficacy (Efficiency)
Students examine the basics of luminous efficacy and why it is used. In this light source lesson students test energy efficiency and the luminous efficiency for babies.
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Online Exploration: Telescopes From the Ground Up
Students explore a web-based illustrated text and interactive graphics to determine the relationship between the operation of telescopes and light. optics. They work in small groups to become an expert on one of the ten eras of telescope...
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Infrared-Hot
Students describe how the sun heats the Earth, explain the nature of infrared light, explain how thunderstorms are formed and use infrared maps to predict severe weather.
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The Universe in a Different Light
Students become aware of some of the objects studied in, and concepts associated with, high-energy astronomy. They do this by participating in card games that teach and review these concepts.
Cornell University
Building Spectroscope
Given specific materials, scholars follow a set of instructions to build and calibrate their very own spectroscopes. After construction, they test the scope for accuracy and make modifications where necessary.
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As the Sun Burns
Learners examine the types of light the sun gives the Earth. They describe the electro-magnetic spectrum and how to protect themselves from different types of light. They identify the layers of the atmosphere as well.
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How Long Would It Take To Travel To the Stars?
Students consider the amount of time that it would take to get to the star, Sirius using various modes of transportation, some practical and some whimsical. The practicality of physically going to another star system is explored in this...
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Analytical Spectroscope
Pupils using a spectroscope view different substances when heated with electricity.
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Seeing The Sun In A New Light
Learners examine the observation of "coronal holes," by x-rays, also about related fast streams and moderate magnetic storms that recur at 27 day intervals. They study NASA'S great observatories.
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Stellar Fingerprints: the Spectra of Stars
Students explain how an element can be identified using emission spectra. They relate the emission spectrum of hydrogen to its absorption spectrum and identify hydrogen absorption lines in the spectrum of stars.
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Comparing Sunscreens
Twelfth graders use a microcomputer connected to an ultra-violet sensor to compare the relative blocking power of different SPF sunscreens for the UVB region of the solar spectrum.
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How Do We Know...?
High schoolers identify and explain how various inventions and astronomers have improved our appreciation of the universe. Students identify at least two constellations in the sky and discuss how they were used in ancient times to tell...
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Photometry
Students examine blackbody radiation and light wavelengths. Students research the various types of electromagnetic spectrum. Students examine any misconceptions they may have in light.
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Enlightening Explorations, Part III
Sixth graders continue their examination of light. In groups, they make rainbows and examine the spectrum of visible light. They travel between various stations recording their observations about the behaviors of light. To end the...
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All That Glitters...
Students study that white light (visible light) is comprised of all colors of the spectrum. They study that the quantity of light decreases with increasing depth in the ocean. They study that the quality of light changes with increasing...
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Colors
Students examine what colors are in white and other colors of light. In this light prism lesson students complete a lab activity that helps them understand complimentary colors.