Glencoe Science Level Blue

Unit 7: Physical Interactions

Light show

Introduction:

Light is a form of electromagnetic energy and has wavelengths that are visible to the human eye. Although we perceive sunlight as colorless, it actually contains all the colors of the spectrum.

Task:

Work with a partner to learn how light works and how we see color. Find out where natural light shows occur on Earth. Visit the web sites on light experiments and select one for you and your partner to conduct. Demonstrate the experiment for the class and explain the principle at work.

Time:

1 class period for research and supply gathering, additional class time for experimentation and demonstrations

Possible Resources:

Light and How it Works

http://science.howstuffworks.com/light.htm

http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/science/light/

http://www.physics4kids.com/files/light_intro.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/13405/intro/what.html

http://www.opticalres.com/optics_for_kids/kidoptx_p1.html

Earth's Light Shows

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/data/2001/11/01/html/ft_20011101.3.html

http://science.nasa.gov/NEWHOME/headlines/essd23sep98_1.htm