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ELECTROMAGNETIC
SPECTRUM
6th grade
Mrs. Messina
DO NOW: 2/23/16
Think about the term
“electromagnetic”.

List as many things that you can think
of that are considered electromagnetic.

Electromagnetic energy:
ELECTRICITY / MAGNETISM

a form of energy that is emitted from objects
in the form of electrical and magnetic waves
that can travel through space
 SWBAT:
Students will be able to
compare and contrast the different
forms of waves located on the
Electromagnetic Spectrum.
Objective Goals:
a) Do Now
b) Analyze informative text
c) Engage in the group activity
d) Reflection

Read and Highlight
1)
Read over the questions.
2)
Read the passage: The Electromagnetic
Spectrum
3)
Place and box around the bold-faced
vocabulary terms and underline the
important key concepts that answer the
questions above.
4)
Answer the questions.
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Light is a form of energy. Sometimes light behaves as if it is made up of tiny particles of energy
called photons. Unless disturbed, photons travel in straight lines. Other times, light behaves as an
electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves have some electrical properties and some magnetic
properties. These waves are made up of transverse waves that vibrate at right angles to each
other. Transverse waves are waves in which particles move up and down at right angles to the
direction of the wave motion.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light that you can see is called visible light, or white light. Visible light waves make up a small
part of a much larger band of waves called electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic
spectrum displays different types of waves. Long waves are located on the left side of the
spectrum while shorter waves are located on the right side of the spectrum.
Radio waves have the longest wavelength and the lowest frequency.
Frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point in a given
time. They are used for radio, television, and radar signals.
Microwaves are used for wireless communications and microwaves
ovens.
Infrared Rays are given off by all objects. You cannot see infrared rays,
but you can feel them as heat.
Visible light is known as white light.
Ultraviolet Rays can cause sunburn. Ultraviolet light is used to kill
bacteria.
X-rays have a very short wavelength and a high frequency. X-rays are
used in medicine to form images of bones and internal organs.
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency.
They are given off during nuclear reactions.
 ELECTROMAGNETIC
ENERGY is a form of energy
that is emitted from objects
in the form of electrical and
magnetic waves that can
travel through space.
 Examples
of
Electromagnetic Energy:
Radio waves, microwaves, Infrared waves,
Light waves, Ultraviolet Waves, X-rays,
Gamma rays
The electromagnetic spectrum displays
different types of waves.
 Long waves are located on the left side of
the spectrum while shorter waves are
located on the right side of the spectrum.

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Turn & Talk
On the last page of your packet there is a
chart of waves. Cut out each section on the
chart and place them in a pile next to you.
Read each one and prepare to participate in
a class discussion about each wave.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
Matching Activity
On your electromagnetic spectrum, paste
the waves in the appropriate location. Also,
indicate where the longest waves and
shortest waves belong on the spectrum.
REFLECTION:
1) Complete the exit ticket- Compare and
contrast radio waves and gamma waves.
2) Place the waves in order from longest to
shortest on the spectrum.
DO NOW: 2/25/16
Compare and contrast microwaves and
x-rays.

Make sure to include the terms wavelength
and frequency in your comparison
explanation. Also, include examples for
each.

SWBAT: Students will be able to compare
and contrast the different forms of waves
on the electromagnetic spectrum.
 Today’s Agenda
 Do Now
1) Analyze Informative
2) Record Data
3) Reflection
Flipbook Activity

Read and Highlight
1)
Read over the questions.
2)
Read the passage: The Electromagnetic
Spectrum
3)
Place and box around the bold-faced
vocabulary terms and underline the
important key concepts that answer the
questions above.
4)
Answer the questions.
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Light is a form of energy. Sometimes light behaves as if it is made up of tiny particles of energy
called photons. Unless disturbed, photons travel in straight lines. Other times, light behaves as an
electromagnetic wave. Electromagnetic waves have some electrical properties and some magnetic
properties. These waves are made up of transverse waves that vibrate at right angles to each
other. Transverse waves are waves in which particles move up and down at right angles to the
direction of the wave motion.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light that you can see is called visible light, or white light. Visible light waves make up a small
part of a much larger band of waves called electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic
spectrum displays different types of waves. Long waves are located on the left side of the
spectrum while shorter waves are located on the right side of the spectrum.
Radio waves have the longest wavelength and the lowest frequency.
Frequency is the number of complete waves passing a point in a given
time. They are used for radio, television, and radar signals.
Microwaves are used for wireless communications and microwaves
ovens.
Infrared Rays are given off by all objects. You cannot see infrared rays,
but you can feel them as heat.
Visible light is known as white light.
Ultraviolet Rays can cause sunburn. Ultraviolet light is used to kill
bacteria.
X-rays have a very short wavelength and a high frequency. X-rays are
used in medicine to form images of bones and internal organs.
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency.
They are given off during nuclear reactions.
Based on your reading, create an Electromagnetic Spectrum flipbook
(study tool).
Reflection:
Place the waves in order from the
longest wavelength to the
shortest wavelength on the
electromagnetic spectrum.
List one example for each wave.
DO NOW: 2/25/16
Compare and contrast radio waves and
gamma waves.

Make sure to include the terms wavelength
and frequency in your comparison
explanation. Also, include examples for
each.
Radio Waves have the longest wavelength and low frequency.
Gamma Rays have the shortest wavelength and high frequency.


SWBAT
Students will be able to compare and
contrast the different forms of
electromagnetic waves on the spectrum.
 Today’s Agenda:
1) Do Now
2) Analyze informative
3) Record data
4) Reflection
text on website
Log On
2) Please go to the following website analyze
informative text:
1)
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https://amazingspace.stsci.edu/resources/explorations/light/emsframes.html
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Questions about the Electromagnetic Spectrum
Where are the shortest wavelengths located on the spectrum?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
Name the shortest waves. _____________________________________________________________
Where are the longest wavelengths located on the spectrum?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________
Name the longest waves. _____________________________________________________________
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Where on the electromagnetic spectrum, between which two waves, is visible light found?
____________________________________________________________
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What type of rays would you expect to be used frequently at a hospital to make medical diagnoses?
_____________________________________________________________
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List the colors of visible light in order. (Hint: the colors of the rainbow)
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________
Reflection:
Place the waves in order from
longest (Weakest) to shortest
(Strongest) on the spectrum.
List one example for each wave.
DO NOW: 2/29/16
Compare and contrast two forms of waves
on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Make sure to include the terms wavelength
and frequency in your comparison
explanation. Also, include examples for
each.
 SWBAT:
Students will be able to
identify the composition of white
light using the method of refraction
through a prism.
Today’s Agenda:
1) Do Now
2) Analyze Informative Text
3) Activity
4) Reflection
Analyzing Informative Text
1) Read over the questions.
2) Place a box around the bold-faced
vocabulary terms and underline the
informative facts following each term.
3) Answer the questions.
Reading and Activity: Using a Prism to Analyze White Light
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Have you ever looked at a rainbow and wonder how that happens?
Most of us know that it takes a special combination of rain and light
before a rainbow appears. Why a rainbow appears is due to the
bending of light waves when they pass through water droplets. This
process is known as refraction. A fun way to create rainbows without
water is by using prisms. Prisms bend light waves and disperse the
light into individual colors. Each color has a different wavelength and
shows up at a slightly different angle.
White light is composed of all the visible colors in the electromagnetic
spectrum, a fact that can be easily proven through the use of a prism. As light
passes through a prism, it is bent, or refracted, by the angles and plane faces
of the prism and each wavelength of light is refracted by a slightly different
amount. Violet has the highest frequency and is refracted the most. Red has
the lowest frequency and is refracted the least. Because each color is refracted
differently, each bends at a different angle, resulting in a fanning out and
separation of white light into the colors of the spectrum.
Water droplets in the air can act in a manner similar to that of a prism,
separating the colors of sunlight to produce a spectrum known as a rainbow. To
be able to see a rainbow, you must be standing with the sun behind you. The
sunlight shines into the water droplets in the air, bending as it moves from the
air into the water, reflecting off the sides the drops, and bending again as it
exits the drops. As a result, all of the colors in the white light of the sun
separate into the individual bands of color characteristic of a rainbow.

TURN AND TALK
What are some facts you
learned about light in your
reading?
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What are the properties of light?
Some properties are:

• Light travels in straight lines
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• Light can be refracted (bent) and
reflected (thrown back)
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• Light is a form of Energy

Question: Will you be able to see the
components of white light by using a
glass prism?

Hypothesis: (If… then…because…)
If we use a glass prism and directly place
it in the sunlight, then we _______
 (will/will not) be able to see the
components of light because ________
 ________________________________.
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Procedure:
Get materials: White paper, prism, sunlight
from classroom window, flashlight
Place the prism directly on the white paper.
Shine the flashlight through the prism.
Record your observations.
Draw a sketch of your observations.
Answer the questions.
Data Collected:
What did you observe about the light before and after you used the prism?
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Sketch of your observations.
Did you see any colors other than white?
________________________________________
If so, what colors did you observe? (List them in order.)
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Answer the following questions:
Is white light really just white light? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Can white light be broken down into other colors? Explain and list the colors.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What instrument can be used to analyze the components of white light?
______________________________________________________________________________
How do you use this instrument?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Define the term REFRACTION.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Which color has the highest frequency?
______________________________________________________________________________
Which color has the lowest frequency?
______________________________________________________________________________
Reflection: Think….
 Is white light really just white light?

1) What are the components of white light?
2) What are some ways we can break down
white light to see it’s true colors?

When white light shines through a glass
prism, the white light is broken apart into
the colors of the visible light spectrum.
DO NOW: 2/26/16
Compare and contrast the terms amplitude,
wavelength, and frequency.

SWBAT
Students will be able to compare and contrast
properties of transverse and longitudinal waves
and identify examples of them in real life
situations.

Today’s Agenda:
1) Do Now
2) TEST
3) Complete Electromagnetic Spectrum
4) Reflection
What Should I Do After the Test Today?
Hand in your test.
2) Complete your Electromagnetic Spectrum.
3) If there is time, you may read the Current
Science magazines.
1)
DO NOW:
Let’s Review this again!
03/2/16
List the 7 different forms of
electromagnetic waves in order
from longest wavelength to
shortest wavelength.
Give one example for each.
Answer to the Do Now.

Do Now: March 3, 2016
Compare and contrast the terms:
Transparent, Translucent, & Opaque.
Make sure to include your own examples.
SWBAT:
Students will be able to describe how
materials reflect, refract, and transmit light.

Today’s Agenda:
1- Do Now
2- Analyze Informative Text
3- Light Lab (activity)
4- Reflection
REFLECTION
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vs
 REFRACTION
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TRANSPARENT, TRANSLUCENT, OPAQUE
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Analyzing Directives:
Make sure to place a box around the action
verbs and underline directives that follow.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Light Lab Activity
You will visit 6 different stations.
Scattering Milk Activity
Prism Activity
Glass Rods Activity
Mirror- Mirror Activity
How Does Matter Interact With Light?
Fiber Optic Cables Activity
Station 1:
Scattering Milk Activity
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Shine a flashlight through a plastic bottle filled with water.
Turn off lights. Look at the water from all sides, Record
observations.
Now use the second bottle to which a few drops of milk
have been added to the water. Shake to mix well.
Repeat step 2. Describe any color changes. If you don’t see
any color changes, add more milk.
Which bottle scatters the light more? Why could this be?
How is the water and milk mixture like the air particles in
the atmosphere? Write answer on your lab sheet.
Station 2:
Prism Activity
Part 1: Break white light into its parts
Shine a flashlight on a white piece of paper.
Record your observations.
Place a prism in front of the beam of the white board. Record
your observations. Draw on your lab sheet.
 Are the observed colors in any particular order?
 Is the beam of light bent, from where it is coming from? Which
color is bent most? Record your observations.
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Part 2: Take colors and put them back together
Take the lenses and shine the light through them one at a time.
Describe on your lab sheet.
Now take 3 flashlights and cover each with a different color filter.
Shine all three colors onto white paper. Over lap 2. What color do
they make?
Try different combinations.
Now try all three lenses. Focus all three colors on the same spot
on a piece of white paper. Explain what happened on your lab
sheet. Remember diagrams.
Station 3:
Glass Rods
Put a pencil into a beaker filled with water.
Observe carefully. Draw your setup.
Does the pencil appear bent?
 Read the explanation below.
 Explain your observations using the words
reflection and refraction.
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Station 4:
Mirror, Mirror
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Shine a flashlight at an angle on a piece of paper. Record your
observations.
Shine the flashlight beam at an angle on a mirror. As you
change the angle of the flashlight light, what happens to the
angle of the reflected beam of light bouncing off the mirror?
Draw and record your observations.
Do not use the flashlight for this step. Hold up the mirror
vertically against your nose. Use one eye. Change the angle of
the mirror. What happened to what you can see? Record your
observations.
Explain the science of light using the term reflection. Explain
how the light travels from the object you see into your eye.
Station 5:
How Does Matter Interact With Light?
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Shine the light into the clear plastic cup. Observe how the light
comes through. Can you see objects through the cup? Record
your observations.
Shine the light into the not so clear plastic cup. Observe how the
light comes through. Can you see objects through the cup?
Record your observations.
Shine the light into the third cup. Observe how the light comes
through. Can you see objects through the cup? Record your
observations.
Read the back, Shedding Light on the Matter and use the
terms, transparent, translucent and opaque in your notes.
Identify which cup is transparent, which is translucent and which
is opaque on your lab sheet.
Station 6:
Fiber Optic Cables
Observe the cables.
Shine a flashlight beam into one end of
the cables. Where does the light come
out? Record your observations.
 Read about what is happening on the
back of this handout. Record the
explanation on your lab sheet.
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Reflection:
List and describe different ways in which
light can travel.
Compare and contrast the terms refraction
and reflection.
DO NOW: 3/4/16
 What type of wave is this?
 Compare and contrast the terms
amplitude, wavelength, and frequency.

SWBAT
Students will be able to compare and contrast
properties of transverse and longitudinal waves
and identify examples of them in real life
situations.

Today’s Agenda:
1) Do Now
2) TEST
3) Complete Light Lab.
4) Reflection
What
Should I Do
After The Test Today?
Hand in the Test.
b) Complete Light Lab.
c) Read the Current Science magazines.
a)
DO NOW:
March 7, 2016
Think about a thunderstorm.
What do you experience first, thunder or
lightning?
Why do you think this happens? (Use text
based evidence to support your answer.)
SWBAT: 3/7/16
Students will be able to compare and contrast
light and sound waves.

Objective Goals:
a) Analyze text
b) Class discussion
c) Venn Diagram Activity
d) Group work
e) Reflection
READ AND HIGHLIGHT
Read over the questions.
b) Read the passages on Light and Sound.
c) Place a box around the bold-faced terms
and underline the important facts that
follow.
d) Answer the questions.
a)

Analyze Informative Text: LIGHT
How do Light Waves Travel?
Light is made up of streams of photons (tiny bundles of energy). However,
light also behaves like a wave. Light is a type of electromagnetic wave.
Electromagnetic waves are different from sound waves. Sound is a longitudinal
wave. A sound wave needs a medium in which to travel. Sound cannot be
heard in a vacuum (empty space).
 Light waves are different from sound waves in two ways. Light travels in
transverse waves. In transverse waves, the particles move up and down at
right angles to the direction of wave motions. Also, light waves do not need a
medium in which to travel. Light can travel through a vacuum.

Properties of Light Waves
 Like all waves, light waves have four properties. They are speed, wavelength,
frequency, and amplitude.
 The speed of light is 300,000 km/s in a vacuum (empty space). The speed of
light in a vacuum is the fastest possible speed.
 The wavelength of light is the distance from the crest of one wave to the
crest of the next wave.
 The number of light waves that pass by a point each second is called the
frequency.
 The amplitude is the height of a wave. A bright light has a greater amplitude
than a dim light.
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Waves travel in straight lines
 Waves scatter when they hit particles in
the atmosphere
 Reflection – bouncing back
 Refraction - Waves bend when they
change medium (water, oil, prism)
Waves go through some materials and not
others - Opaque, transparent, translucent
 Fiber optics bend light and carries
information
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Reading Passage: What is Sound?
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There are all sounds around you. Some sounds are loud and others are
very faint. Walking in a park, you may hear the sounds of birds singing
and dogs barking. In a quiet room, you may hear the sound of an alarm
clock ticking. Sound is a form of energy. Sound energy travels in forms of
waves.
All sounds are caused by vibrations. A vibration is a rapid back and forth
movement. Suppose you are listening to the sound from a stereo speaker.
If you place your hand on the speaker, you will feel the vibration.
Objects that vibrate produce sound. Place you fingers on the front of your
throat. When you speak, you can feel something vibrate. That something
is your vocal cords. The sound of your voice is produced when your vocal
cords cause air around them to vibrate.
For every sound you hear, some object is vibrating. Strum a guitar. The
guitar strings vibrate. When a string vibrates in one direction, it pushes
on the air on that side of it. Air particles are squeezed together. The
squeezed-together particles form a compression (place where particles
are close together). When the springs move back, those air particles
spread apart. As the string vibrates, compressions move away from the
string. They form a sound wave.
The speed of sound in air is about 340 m/s. The speed is much slower
than the speed of light. In a thunderstorm, a flash of lightning is seen
before sound of thunder is heard. The light from the lightning flash travels
much faster than the sound of thunder produced by lightning.
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SOUND
All sounds are caused by vibrations.
A vibration is a rapid back and forth movement.
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Objects that vibrate produce sound.
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For every sound you hear, some object is vibrating. Strum a guitar.
The guitar strings vibrate. When a string vibrates in one direction, it
pushes on the air on that side of it.
Air particles are squeezed together. The squeezed-together particles
form a compression (place where particles are close together).
When the springs move back, those air particles spread apart. As the
string vibrates, compressions move away from the string. They form
a sound wave.
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Venn Diagram
LIGHT
vs. SOUND
Go to the website below:
http://www.acoustics.salford.ac.uk/sc
hools/index1.htm
Complete the readings and observe
the animations and illustrations
regarding SOUND.
REFLECTION:
Think about what we have learned today.
Compare and contrast light and sound.