Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: What Causes Rainbows?
An experiment to demonstrate how to make a rainbow and why they form.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction/ray Model of Light: Light Dispersion Prisms
A tutorial which introduces students to the dispersion of light in more detail, and investigates the reasons why different frequencies of light bend or refract different amounts when passing through the prism.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction and the Ray Model of Light: Rainbow Formation
Understand the physics behind Roy G. Biv, and how rainbows are formed by drawing upon our understanding of refraction, internal reflection, and dispersion.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education: The Em Spectrum: Waves of Energy
Students are introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum through this group research activity. Each group investigates a different wavelength range within the em spectrum and reports back to class. Discussion ideas also included.
McGraw Hill
Mc Graw Hill Companies: Origins of the Quantum Theory
An indexing page for Chapter 27 (Origins of the Quantum Theory) of the companion web site for McGraw Hill's Contemporary College Physics textbook. Includes several worthy pages with chapter notes, simple definitions, online computer...
University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas Mc Donald Observatory: Spectroscope
This instructional activity guides young scholars to build a spectroscope, use it as a tool, and interpret their observations by applying concepts of conservation of energy and properties of matter.
NASA
Electromagnetic Spectrum: Ultraviolet Waves
Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Though these waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects can see them. The specific wavelength values are given. Uses and applications of these waves are explained.
York University
York University: Color and Color Vision
York University provides an index page to several other pages on the topic of color and color vision. The pages are part of an online "book." Many graphics and explanations.
University of California
Center for Science Education: Gallery
A gallery of astronomy images which depict galaxies, comets, the moon, planets, nebulae, supernovae as seen in various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each image in the gallery is described. Fascinating!
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Spectrum of a Guitar String
Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses spectrum in relation to Bohr's model. Included in the topics covered are standing waves, boundary condition,...
Simon Fraser University
Chem1 Virtual Textbook: Emission and Absorption Spectra
Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site specifically discusses emission and absorption spectra in relation to the Bohr model.
Other
Brockport High School: Energy Levels of Hydrogen Atom
From the Brockport High School Physics Labs web pages. Includes an excellent graphic depicting the energy levels of a hydrogen atoms and portraying the electron level transitions for the Lyman, Balmer, and Paschen series. Includes both...
Sophia Learning
Sophia: Radiation and Energy: Lesson 2
This lesson discusses the light spectrum and its influence on living things. It is 2 of 3 in the series titled "Radiation and Energy."
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Electromagnetic Spectrum
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this Flipchart, students are introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will learn the names of the types of waves, and the order in which they are arranged. Additionally, students will...
University of California
Center Science Edu.: Electromagnetic Radiation on Trial
Here is a 1-5 day unit on electromagnetic radiation that features a teacher guide and student activities with extensions.
Other
Astrophysics Institute Potsdam (Aip): An Ultraviolet Space Observatory
A discussion of ultraviolet light and its interaction with the atmosphere. Describes the UV detectors on a spacecraft which are used to study the UV light emissions from astronomical bodies.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Johann Jakob Balmer
Describes the life and scientific contributions of Johann Jakob Balmer. Discussion focuses on Balmer's contributions to the line spectra of hydrogen.
Curated OER
Georgia State University: Color
This site from Georgia State University discusses the location of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes the wavelength values for various colors of light within the visible light spectrum.