Light Waves and Color Tutorial

This tutorial illuminates the notion of light as an electromagnetic wave subject to reflection, interference, and polarization. Color addition and subtraction are also blended into the tutorial. There are three lessons: "How Do We Know Light is a Wave?" "Color and Vision," and "Mathematics of Two-Point Source Interference." Each page includes illustrations and questions to check for student understanding. Student extras and a teacher's guide provide links to other resources for further investigation of light. Interference and polarization are introduced as our evidence that light acts as a wave. The electromagnetic spectrum is described in terms of color and wavelength. Absorption, reflection and transmission of light are explained and applied to additive and subtractive color mixing and sunsets. The mathematics of wave interference are also demonstrated at an algebra level.

Weblink address (URL):

Standards & Objectives

Academic standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of...
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11-12...
CLE 3003.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3003.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3005.2.6: Deliver effective oral presentations.
CLE 3005.2.7: Participate in work teams and group discussions.
CLE 3231.4.1: Describe the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum.
CLE 3231.4.2: Investigate the interaction of light waves.
CLE 3231.4.5: Investigate the phenomenon of color.
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.1: Initiate and participate effectively with varied partners in a range of collaborative discussions on appropriate 11th - 12th grade topics, texts, and...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.CC.2: Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems; evaluate the...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective so that listeners can follow the line of reasoning;...
TSS.ELA.11-12.SL.PKI.6: Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Alignment of this item to academic standards is based on recommendations from content creators, resource curators, and visitors to this website. It is the responsibility of each educator to verify that the materials are appropriate for your content area, aligned to current academic standards, and will be beneficial to your specific students.

Unit Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Understanding

References

Contributors:

Matthew Perkins

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation