Light Waves and Spectroscopes

Lesson Focus - Light and Spectrometry.

Lesson Synopsis - The lesson explains in easy to understand terms how chemists, astronomers, and other scientists analyze light emitted by various sources to perform chemical analyses here on earth as well as to discover the composition of stars and planets. Each participant will have the opportunity to observe continuous and bright line spectra through a simple, inexpensive spectroscope that is suitable for classroom use and will work through typical student laboratory exercises.

Age Levels - 10-14.

Objectives
Learn basic principles of light.
Learn basic principles of spectrometry.

Anticipated Learner Outcomes - As a result of this activity, students aged 10-14 should develop an understanding of:
Wave nature of light
Diffraction gratings
Interference
How the diffraction grating spectroscope
works

Lesson Activities
Wave nature of light
Diffraction gratings
Interference
How the diffraction grating spectroscope
works
Laboratory exercise: Continuous spectrum -
incandescent light
Laboratory exercise: Bright line spectrum -
florescent light

Resources/Materials
Teacher Resource Documents (included in
PDF)
Materials required are described in the Teacher Resource Documents. All are readily
available and low cost.

Alignment to Curriculum Frameworks
Curriculum alignment sheet is included in PDF.

Internet Connections
IEEE Teacher In-Service Program
IEEE Virtual Museum
International Technology Education Association Standards for Technological Literacy
McREL Compendium of Standards and Benchmarks - a compilation of content
standards for K-12 curriculum in both searchable and browsable formats.
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Principals and Standards for School Mathematics
National Science Education Standards

Recommended Reading
IEE Faraday Lecture: Infra-Red Spectroscopy
DK Eyewitness Series: Light (ISBN: 0789448858)
Exploring Light and Color: A "Hands-On" Approach to
Learning by Heidi Gold-Dworkin (ISBN: 0071348212)
Janice VanCleave's Physics for Every Kid : 101 Easy
Experiments in Motion, Heat, Light, Machines, and Sound
(ISBN: 0471525057)

References
Ralph D. Painter and other volunteers from
Florida West Coast USA Section of IEEE
URL: http://ewh.ieee.org/r3/floridawc