Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Making Sound All Around

For Teachers 4th
Fourth graders examine how sound waves are effected by frequency and pitch. They conduct experiments using tuning forks, rubber bands, balloons, and water, and answer questions about the experiments.
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Resolution—Not Just for the New Year

For Students 11th - 12th
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

Why Does it Get Colder on a Clear Night than a Cloudy Night?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
Clouds are nature's insulator! A lab investigation asks learners to use an infrared thermometer to measure differences in infrared temperatures. They find that pointing the thermometer at a cloud has a much different result than pointing...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Sound and Frequency

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
Pupils pose their hypothesis, they ready their instruments, then record their observations. This is the science of sound lesson. They move through 5 stations, each focused on a different element of aspect of sound. Check this lesson out,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Gamma Ray Bursts

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students study an article on Gamma Rays.  In this investigative lesson students study the energy and wavelengths of gamma rays and the theories behind them. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Let the Sunshine in

For Teachers 9th - 12th
High schoolers collect and analyze data to study wavelengths of visible light. They cover Styrofoam cups with three different colors of sun filtering products and shine a lamp directly on the cups. They determine the most effective...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Obtain a visible spectra of chlorophyll a

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students become familiar with the concept of spectroscopy or the study of the interaction of matter with electromagnetic radiation. They prepare solutions and measure absorbance at different wavelengths. Pupils comprehend that mater and...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Spectrum

For Students Higher Ed
In this electromagnetic spectrum worksheet, students review all regions of the spectrum in order from longest to shortest wavelength. Students list all possible values for specific quantum numbers. This worksheet has 20 problems to solve.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

To See or Not to See

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify and discuss key factors that determine how effective color camouflage is in certain habitats.  For this investigative lesson students divide into groups and study light. 
Worksheet
Curated OER

Physics of Space Flight

For Students 9th - 12th
For this space flight worksheet, students will review physics terms relating to space which includes measuring the distance of space objects, how rockets work, and electromagnetic waves. This worksheet has 10 terms in a crossword puzzle,...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Water and Ice

For Teachers K - 2nd
Students explore water. In this water lesson, students explore the physical properties and states of water. They observe how water changes states and document what they see.
Worksheet
Curated OER

Color

For Students 9th - 12th
In this color activity, learners read about light, prisms, the RGB model and the CMYK model. Students match colors with their definition, they draw the color chart, they apply the RGB and CMYK models to make colors and they interpret...
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

For Students 9th - 11th
In this electromagnetic spectrum worksheet, students fill in the blanks with terms about the wavelengths and frequencies of the various types of waves in the spectrum. They also compare the sizes of each wave by correlating them with...
Worksheet
Curated OER

Physics and the Quantum Mechanical Model

For Students 10th - Higher Ed
In this physics activity, students review vocabulary terms and key equations associated with the quantum mechanical model. Students apply the quantum theory to explain the photoelectric effect. This activity has 5 true or false, 12...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Electromagnetic Spectrum

For Teachers 6th
Sixth graders observe light being separated into a color spectrum.  In this electromagnetic lesson students use a diffraction grating to separate light and compare light sources. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Check Out Lights and Shields with Beads

For Teachers 5th - 8th
Learners explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings. 
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Color Principles - Hue, Saturation, and Value

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students identify different color models and the application of the color theory. They create different visualizations that compare color models.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Waves, Sound, and Light

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders explain waves in terms of energy transfer and describe their basic types and characteristics. They solve mathematical problems involving wavelength and frequency. Students conduct experiments in reflection and refraction.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Radio Astronomy and Radio Telescope

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students construct a simple radio telescope. In this astronomy lesson, students explain how this telescope works and what information it collects.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Tessellation Design And Construction

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Students study the basic elements and concepts of the visual art's perceptual component - such as shape, line and color. They create tessellations that foster problem solving and reflective thinking.
Lab Resource
Colorado State University

Can You See Beyond the Rainbow?

For Teachers 6th - 12th
There's more to light than ROYGBIV! An enlightening laboratory investigation has learners explore the world of infrared light. When they use goggles that take away visible light, they experience how things look with only infrared light.
Lesson Plan
Cornell University

Optical Simulation of a Transmission Electron Microscope

For Students 11th - 12th
Don't have an electron microscope? Have your classes build the next best thing! A hands-on lesson plan asks scholars to build a model of Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM). They then use their models to identify the function of each...
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Using Bubbles to Learn about Light Interference

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Students explain the wave properties of light.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

Does that Sound Right to You?

For Teachers 9th
Ninth graders are introduced to the components of compressional and transverse. They practice answering speed problems involving different mediums that waves travel trhough and then review the wave PowerPoint. They then visit physics...