Each education kit of this series contains a fact sheet with background information, several classroom activities that can be incorporated into the physics science curriculum at both middle and high school levels, notes to the teachers for use of the material and correlation to the National Science Education Standards, a list of resources for expanding the topic, a glossary of useful terms, and an evaluation form that we urge you to complete and send back to us.
The topic of this first kit is about ``Spectroscopy''- the study of light- and includes: an introduction to the concept of electromagnetic spectrum (light at different wavelengths, visible and "non-visible" light), the technique of light analysis called spectroscopy, and some of its applications, with a focus on the FUSE mission in particular.
The activities in this kit have various degrees of difficulty, and require different materials from basic to more sophisticated. The activities do not need to be used in the exact sequence. They can be selected based on specific topics covered by the teacher during the unit on light, with consideration of available time and resources. Some of the activities are written as comprehensive lesson plans; others consist mainly of students worksheets, designed to supplement classroom discussions or to be given as home assignments. Several of the activities aim to enforce and develop scientific skills (such as unit conversion, scientific notation and problem solving using formulas) that facilitate the study of the electromagnetic spectrum and spectroscopy but also strenghten science skills in general.
Specific materials needed for each activity are specified in the Activity Sheet. A classroom set of hand-held diffraction gratings is strongly recommended for studying light; they are inexpensive and can be ordered from any science supply catalog (e.g. Flinn Scientific, 1-800-452-1261, or Edmund Scientific, 1-800-728-6999).
Other recommended materials include:
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