"Making Waves"
This is a great activity which allows students to completely explore waves. The activity begins with a simple teacher demonstration using an overhead projector and a
glass baking dish and marble to show students the formation of waves. Students are then given a piece of rope, prism and card with slot 3 mm wide cut in it, card or 8" x 11"
plain paper, a source of white light (Sunlight can be used if possible, but do NOT look directly at the Sun.) and colored pencils which include the colors of the spectrum to
continue their exploration of waves. A flashlight and a piece of aluminum foil are needed for a follow up activity that takes this one step further to allow students to look at
the trough and crest of a wave. (1-2 class periods)
The original version of this activity can be found online at the LIVE FROM THE SUN website.
Barcode of the Cosmos: Exploring the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Once students understand the concept of waves students can then begin to understand the electromagnetic spectrum. This activity provides tips for a class discussion on the introduction
of the electromagnetic spectrum. Once the discussion is complete and students have an understanding of the EMS then the other activities are natural progressions to make sure students have
a complete understanding of waves, the electromagnetic spectrum and the types of radiation that make up the spectrum. (1 class period)
The original version of this activity can be found online at the LIVE FROM THE SUN website.
Newton's Rainbow
Students explore the visible spectrum in this activity and the bending of light rays using a prism, sunlight or white light source and diffraction grating. Once you've looked at white light have
the students look at different lights such as fluorescent lights, gym ceiling lights, a straight filament light bulb and neon light bulb. The last two light bulbs can be purchased at science supply companies.
(1 class periods)
The original version of this activity can be found online at the LIVE FROM THE SUN website.
Herschel and Infrared
This is a fun activity which allows students to use heat sensitive paper which they find fascinating. The opening demonstration uses a hot plate with coils and a piece of heat sensitive paper to
show that even though we can't see light heat (infrared radiation) is being given off. Students then perform a hands-on activity where they explore infrared radiation further with a prism, 4 thermometers
sunlight or a heat source and heat sensitive paper by placing the thermometers at both ends of the spectrum to see if one end of the spectrum is warmer than the other. Students should see a slight change in
temperature. (1-2 class periods)
The original version of this activity can be found online at the LIVE FROM THE SUN website.
Rainbows and the Spectrum of Visible Light
This activity allows students to explore the visible spectrum and the bending of light rays even further. Students will need a small fish tank, a flashlight, an eyedropper, prism, blocks of wood to raise the flashlight
about 2 centimeters off the table, water and milk. It is important that students do not add the milk too quickly once they have added the initial drops called for in the experiment or they will not see the different colors
of the spectrum that they should see. Small 2 1/2 gallon aquariums work well for this activity. (1 class period)
The original version of this activity can be found online at the LIVE FROM THE SUN website.