Curated OER
Shadows & Light, Science & Puppetry
Lights, shadows, action, and inquiry await your artistic scientists. They explore the way light travels, absorbs, reflects, and transmits through shadow play. They create folktale-inspired shadow puppets, explore the science of light,...
Curated OER
Investigating Light
Students study concepts associated with light. In this light lesson, students observe an demonstration by the teacher. They examine reflection and refraction of light and name things that reflect light and those that refract it. They...
Curated OER
Light Experiment
In this light experiment worksheet, students find out which materials allow light through, block it out, or reflect it. Students complete the chart and answer 9 questions about their experiment.
University of Illinois
University of Illinois: The Photosynthetic Process
Site describes process of photosynthesis, including role of pigment molecules, electron transport, ATP synthesis, and carbohydrate synthesis. Includes links to illustrative graphics.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Project Ideas: Simple Device to Measure the Strength of Tea
In this science fair project, measure the strength of tea, using plastic cups, a photoresistor, and a multimeter. The Science Buddies project ideas are set up consistently beginning with an abstract, objective, and introduction, followed...
Science Buddies
Science Buddies: Absorption of Radiant Energy by Different Colors
In this science fair project, use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of differently colored paper exposed to sunlight, and calculate energy emission using the Stefan-Boltzmann equation. Find discussion questions, a list...
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: What Is Albedo?
When light strikes an object it can cause reflection or absorption depending on the wavelength of the light and the property of the material that makes up the object. Watch this whiteboard animation for a full explanation and to find out...
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Molecules and Light
An interactive simulation that teaches about molecules, photons, and absorption by exploring how light interacts with molecules in our atmosphere. Through this simulation students can get a better understanding of the importance of the...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: Scientific American: Hot Times in Alaska: Light Absorption
Investigate the science behind global warming with these classroom activities. Compare light and dark objects to see how they respond to light absorption and heat generation, and describe the albedo values of various materials.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Light Absorption, Reflection, & Refraction
A video and a short quiz on the properties of light.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Do Different Colors Absorb Heat Better?
Students test whether the color of a material affects how much heat it absorbs. Students will place an ice cube in a box made of colored paper (one box per color; white, yellow, red and black), which they will place in the sun. The...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Absorption, Reflection and Transmission
This tutorial explains light absorption, reflection and transmission in a clear and concise manner. Provides a "Check Your Understanding" section as well as additional links on color and light.
Davidson College
Davidson College: Spectrophotometry: Basic Principles
Explains the principles of spectrophotometry and how a spectrophotometer works. Presents a simulation that shows how to take spectrophotometric measurements.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Science Museum of Minnesota: Thinking Fountain: Opaque
In this lesson use objects found around the house or classroom to make sun prints. Link provided for the construction of a light island for classroom use.
My Science Site
Reflection Experiments [Pdf]
Looking for some hands-on activities to use with your students to teach reflection? This resource offers a couple of experiments on the angle of reflection and light absorption. This resource is in PDF form; requires Adobe Reader.
Alberta Online Encyclopedia
Alberta Online Encyclopedia: Photosynthesis
In this encyclopedia entry, you will find concise text explaining photosynthesis supplemented by a very detailed diagram of the process.
Science Struck
Science Struck: Translucent, Transparent, and Opaque Materials
The definitions of transparent, translucent, and opaque can be found here. The article explains how the density of a material and its ability to absorb light determine which of these three properties it has. A list of examples is given...