Curated OER
The Photoelectric Effect in Photocells
Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...
Other
Institute of Physics: Practical Physics
Access hundreds of teacher-tested, practical physics lessons on this well-organized, illustrated site. Find just the right demonstration, attention-grabber, or lab for any physics teaching objective at your fingertips.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Nobel Prize in Physics 1929
This site from The Nobel Foundation tells the scientific work which earned Louis de Broglie the Nobel Prize in Physics. Here, you can read the Presentation Speech in which Professor C.W. Oseen praises Louis de Broglie's work and de...
Vision Learning
Vision Learning: Physics: Waves and Wave Motion
Instructional module focusing on waves and wave motion. Discussion includes wave theories, wave basics, and wave speed. The site also includes an interactive practice quiz and links relating to the topic.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Courses: Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
College-level physics course highlighting electromagnetism. This course also includes a wide variety of other physics topics including lightning, electrocardiograms, metal detectors, and atom smashers, to name a few. Course includes a...
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
Magnet Academy: Wilhelm Weber
Find out more about German physicist Wilhelm Weber, who developed and enhanced a variety of devices for sensitively detecting and measuring magnetic fields and electrical currents.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Lord Rayleigh Biographical
At this site from the Nobel e-Museum, you can read about the scientific work of Lord Rayleigh (1842-1919 CE). This article includes information on his education and experiments with light and sound waves.
University of Maryland
University of Maryland: Optics, Electromagnetic Waves
This site from the University of Maryland provides part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light, the idea of an electromagnetic...
University of Maryland
University of Maryland: Optics Highlights: Wave Optics
Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Waves and Color: Young's Experiment
Students read a detailed description and explanation of Thomas Young's experiment which played a major role in the general acceptance of the wave theory of light.
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.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Augustin Fresnel
A short biographical sketch on the life and work of Augustin Fresnel (1788-1827). Comments on a few of his scientific accomplishments.