Activity:  Extending Sound Wave Knowledge to Electromagnetic Spectrum (EM)

Pre-Activity:  NAS Sound Wave Lab

Do Now:  List ten types of electromagnetic radiation that you already know something about.

Aim:  To solidify knowledge of a universal concept.

Major Assignment:  Note-taking on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Processes, Skills, Goals:  Understanding the basics of observation as the sensing of wave motion.  Remote sensing as wave sensing.  EM in the universe.  On earth.  At home.  In the classroom.

Content:  The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Instructions:  Since students may already know some of the basics of the electromagnetic spectrum, assess current knowledge and tailor the delivery of content to solidify and enhance their knowledge.  Demonstrate various types of EM phenomena, and show examples of others.

Materials:  EM slide show of definitions and examples.  Appropriate videos, since waves tend to be sensed over time.  

Guiding Questions:  What does "electro" mean?  What does "magnetic" mean?  How are these two related?  Why should seals care about EM waves?  Why should we?  How can EM ignorance hurt us?  What other words are used to define portions of the EM spectrum?  How do we sense EM radiation?

Homework:   Study for quiz on electricity and magnetism.