Investigating Light: The Visible Spectrum (Station approach)
Working at this station, students use diffraction gratings and build a spectroscope to investigate the spectra of different light sources. They then gather evidence that shows that when different light sources and colored filters are used, the appearance of objects can change. As they are making observations and gathering evidence they are also learning the science that explains their results. Four student activities will take a total of between four and eight 50-minute sessions to complete. The activities in this module (and in the related P104-S02, P104-S03, and P104-S04 modules) were originally part of longer units developed at the University of Kentucky. The station approach allows you to offer a variety of concurrent activities for different student groups.
Details at a Glance
- 4-8 Days | 4-8 ~50 minute class periods
- 4 Activities
- Accommodates unlimited classes, each with 1 group of 4 students
- Meets our criteria for supporting literacy
- All materials are non-consumable
Scientific Concepts
• The ability to design and conduct a scientific investigation
• The ability to use appropriate scientific tools
• The ability to use evidence to develop explanations and models
• The ability to link evidence and explanations
• The ability to use mathematics in scientific inquiry
• Energy is a property of many substances and is transferred in many ways.
• Light interacts with matter by transmission, absorption, reflection, refraction
or scattering.
• The sun’s energy (indeed light from sources all around us), has a range of
wavelengths.
•Scientific inquiry involves evaluating and reviewing scientific ideas and processes.
Guides & Student Sheets
Our kits and modules provide you with everything you need so you can open, review, and teach the material confidently the next day.
- Comprehensive Teacher Guide with background information, detailed instruction, example data and answers
- Student Sheets with age appropriate background information, full procedure(s), and analysis items
- Materials necessary for the investigation (beyond common classroom items)
- Safety Data Sheets
Kit Components
- 1 Teacher's Guide
- 1 Light station, LAB-AIDS®
- 1 Colored paper strip set
- 1 Colored pencil set
- 1 Compact fluorescent bulb
- 1 Socket and cord for compact fluorescent bulb
- 1 Slotted shield for compact fluorescent bulb
- 1 Blue filter slide
- 1 Green filter slide
- 1 Red filter slide
- 1 Square-frame diffraction grating
- 1 Single-slot mask
- 1 Diffusing mask
- 2 Spectroscopes (tubes and end caps)
- 2 Color transparencies
- 2 Mirror/Slide holders
- 8 Round diffraction gratings
- Not included and needed for instruction: Overhead projector, tape.