Lesson Plan

Sometimes You Behave Like a WAVE, Sometimes You Don't!

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

Electromagnetic radiation behaves like both a wave and a particle. Help classes explore this concept through a lab investigation. Young scientists create optical interference patterns on a glass slide using a carbon layer. They analyze each pattern to describe the wave or particle nature of each pattern.

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Instructional Ideas
  • Use the lab investigation as a follow-up to a lecture on the behavior of electromagnetic radiation
  • Have each group compare their findings and discuss any inconsistencies
Classroom Considerations
  • Requires a fundamental understanding of the wave and particle model for electromagnetic radiation
Pros
  • Provides the materials as Word documents, which allows for easy editing
  • Includes a teacher guide to aid in planning
Cons
  • None