Astronomy Electromagnetic Spectrum Project
You will be taking a closer look at one of the eight types of electromagnetic energy in the electromagnetic spectrum —radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet light, x rays, gamma rays, and cosmic waves.
The class will be divided into eight groups. Each group will focus on a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Groups should use traditional forms of research: reference books from the media center or public libraries, your Astronomy textbook, as well as Internet links. Each member of the expert group must have the necessary information and materials to make a class presentation on their area of the spectrum.
Students should be creative in their presentations: have a variety of materials to use for presentations including construction paper, chart paper, markers, overheads, smart board, and magazines. The key to a successful and interesting presentation is to use visuals such as labeled diagrams; you will have to create a Prezi to go along with the other visuals.
*If you don’t know how to use Prezi, stay for tutoring!!
Groups must work together to research the following information about their form of radiation ( I suggest you all take part in each section):
- What are the characteristics of this type of radiation (wavelength, frequency, key facts)?
- Where is this type of radiation located on the electromagnetic spectrum in relation to other kinds of radiation? What properties of the wave define why it is found within this area of the spectrum?
- How is it used or found in our everyday lives or in certain industries?
Identify / explain at least two uses.
Each group should answer the following questions and complete the chart that follows:
- When scientists talk about "electromagnetic radiation", what are they really describing?
- Is all radiation harmful? What are some "good" forms of radiation?
- How does the Earth's atmosphere protect living organisms?
- Look at the wavelength ranges for X-rays from your three different sources. Are they exactly the same, or are there any differences? (You may need to do some unit conversion to make the comparison.)
- Look at the other kinds of electromagnetic radiation. Did your three sources agree on any of the wavelength ranges?
- Based on the results of your research, does it appear that the wavelength ranges for each part of the electromagnetic spectrum have precise value, or do different scientists use different definitions for each region? Justify your response.
- What kinds of people use the electromagnetic spectrum in their work?
- Do people in different fields all have the same definition for the range of wavelengths for each region of the spectrum? (ultraviolet light, for example)
- What type of numbers the wavelength ranges would be: numbers defined by the laws of physics, international standards, or numbers assigned for convenience?
- Suggest explanations for why the values for each wavelength range might be different for different scientists.
Type of Electromagnetic Radiation / Does it get through the Earth’s atmosphere?
Yes/No / Level of danger it poses to living organisms
High/Low/None / Uses & Applications / Wavelength Range
(in meters)
Website: / Wavelength Range
(in meters)
Website: / Wavelength Range
(in meters)
Website:
Cosmic Rays
Gamma Rays
X-Rays
Ultraviolet
Visible Light
Infrared
Microwaves
Radio/TV
As you watch the presentations by other groups, you should complete a learning chart with important facts and questions about each type of radiation. Your learning charts should look like this:
Type of Radiation / Characteristic: wavelength (λ); energy (J); frequency (Hz) / Where is it found?How is it used? / My question about this type of electromagnetic radiation:
Radio/TV / λ = J = Hz =
Microwaves / λ = J = Hz =
Infrared / λ = J = Hz =
Visible / λ = J = Hz =
Ultraviolet / λ = J = Hz =
X-rays / λ = J = Hz =
Gamma rays / λ = J = Hz =
Cosmic Rays / λ = J = Hz =
Choose one question from the learning chart above and research the answer. (Bonus: 10 points)
Electromagnetic Spectrum Tutorial Websites: