Read-Along with Narration: Begin the lesson by listening to the narrated content in the Learn tab. This introduction helps students explore the concept of light and its different wavelengths, including those invisible to the human eye.
Go to the LessonLesson Plans
Light We Cannot See
Learning Objectives
- Understand that the color of light is determined by its wavelength, and recognize that certain wavelengths are invisible to the human eye.
- Identify ultraviolet light and describe its effects on health, as well as its applications in sterilization and protection.
- Explain how X-rays, with their short wavelengths, are used in medical imaging to penetrate soft tissues and produce internal body images.
- Describe infrared light as having longer wavelengths than visible red light and recognize its applications in heat detection and imaging.
- Understand the use of radio waves, which have very long wavelengths, in communication technologies.
Introduction and Hook
Visual Aid: Use images to illustrate the spectrum of light, highlighting visible and invisible wavelengths such as ultraviolet and infrared.
Direct Instruction
Explain the concept of light wavelengths and how they determine the color of light. Discuss the invisible light spectrum, including ultraviolet, X-rays, infrared, and radio waves.
Introduce the health effects and applications of ultraviolet light, such as sterilization and protection.
Guided Exploration
Watch Videos: In the Watch tab, you'll find videos like:
Guided Discussion: Pause to ask questions about the different types of invisible light and their applications. Encourage students to think about how these types of light are used in everyday life.
Hands-On Activity
Experiment with Light: Use prisms or diffraction glasses to explore the visible spectrum and discuss what happens to light beyond the visible range.
Printable Worksheets: In the Assess tab, download and print activities such as:
Independent Practice
Research Project: Have students research a type of invisible light and its applications, such as infrared in thermal imaging or radio waves in communication.
Check for Understanding
Unit Quiz: Test comprehension by using the Unit Quiz at the end of the Waves and Information unit.
Try the QuizReview and Reflection
Class Discussion: Reflect on the different types of light and their importance in technology and health.
Assessment and Extension
Assessment Pack: For a more comprehensive review, download the complete assessment pack that includes answer keys for easy correction.
Get the Assessment Pack
