University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Quantum Atom
Several pages with an interesting discussion of the visible light spectrum and atomic absorption and emission line spectrum. Features excellent graphics, thorough and understandable discussion, and many interactive Java applets.
Wolfram Research
Wolfram Science World: Maxwell, James
This ScienceWorld site describes the Scottish mathematician and physicist James Maxwell (1831-1879) who published physical and mathematical theories of the electromagnetic field.
Other
The James Clerk Maxwell Foundation
The home page of the The James Clerk Maxwell Foundation, a charitable foundation to commemorate the life and work of James Clerk Maxwell. View Maxwell's house and read about the personal life of this notable scientist.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen Biographical
This biographical note on Wilhelm Conrad Rontgen describes his boyhood, upbringing, education, scientific work and accomplishments. Focuses on his studies of Xrays.
Open Curriculum
Open Curriculum: Wave Optics
Learn about the diffraction of light using the wave model and Huygen's principle.
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...
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: James Clerk Maxwell
Research resources for James Maxwell (1831-1879), who did revolutionary work on electricity and magnetism and on the kinetic theory of gases.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: A Visit to James Clerk Maxwell's House
From the MacTutor History of Mathematics website, this page allows students to see the Edinburgh home of the 19th century Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: The Dual Nature of Light as Reflected in the Nobel Archives
This article discusses the historical figures who contributed to our understanding of the nature of light, x-rays, Quantum ElectroDynamic (QED) theory, and so on.
Boston University
Bu: Optics: Geometric Optics
Several short descriptions of demonstrations which illustrate principles of geometric optics (many of which focus upon refraction).
Boston University
Bu: Optics Demonstrations: Interference
Several short descriptions and graphics of demonstrations which illustrate principles of interference. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.
Boston University
Optics Demonstrations: Holograms
A short description of a demonstration involving a hologram. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.
Boston University
Bu: Optics Demonstrations: Diffraction
Short descriptions and graphics of three demonstrations which illustrate the diffraction phenomenon. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.