Activity:  Examining Long Wave Electromagnetic (EM)

Pre-Activity:  Intro to EM radiation.

Do Now:  Quiz on short EM wavelengths.

Aim:  To solidify knowledge of a universal concept.

Major Assignment:  Note-taking on the long wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Processes, Skills, Goals:  Understanding the basics of long wavelength EM radiation in the context of remote sensing and natural habitat analysis.

Content:  The Long Wavelength Portion of the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Instructions:  Present definitions and examples of long wavelength radiation.  Narrow the focus to an impact on marine life.  Explain that visible light, from (violet to red) is just above the middle of the range, at about the size of bacteria (10 exp -6).  Below red is Infrared, the size of pinpoints (10 exp -4 meters), followed by Microwaves the size of houseflies (10 exp -2 meters), and stretches up to Radio waves the size of buildings (10 exp 2).

Materials:  Slide show of long wavelength EM definitions and examples.

Guiding Questions: What moves when light waves race around the room?  (EM energy).  Can long EM waves burn with their energy?  What use are radio waves?  What is infrared radiation?  Can we see it?  Can we feel it?  What use could be in sensing it from afar?

Homework:   What can we do to study seals with an infrared camera.