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Activity: Graphing Spectra
Days Needed 1
Grade level 9 - 12
Objective
Students will be introduced to two different representations of spectra -
the photographic representation, such as the familiar rainbow, and the
graphical representation used more often by astronomers. Students will
explore the differences and similarities of both these representations,
and will develop a more intuitive feel for a graphical representation,
which may not yet be familiar to them. |
Science and Math Standards
| NCTM |
NSES |
Content Standard 8:
- Geometry from an Algebraic Perspective |
Content Standard A:
- Unifying Concepts and Processes in Science |
Content Standard 10:
- Statistics |
Content Standard C:
- Light, Energy and Magnetism
- Structure of Atoms and Matter |
Prerequisites
Math Students should understand interpreting and
manipulating graphical data.
Science Students should understand the concept of a
spectrum.
Students should have read the
Introduction to Spectroscopy.
Introduction
A rainbow is often given as an everyday example of a spectrum. Most
students have seen a rainbow, so this example is used to help make the
unfamiliar more familiar. However, the spectra that scientists use, and
the spectra that students will see in this lesson plan, appear very
different than a rainbow. In this activity, students will explore for
themselves two different representations of the same spectrum, and will
be introduced to advantages and disadvantages of the different
representations. |
Engagement
Hand out the Part I of the Student Worksheet. Have the class get into
groups, if they aren't already, and complete it. The class should
be discussing the answers, but each writing their own explanation on
their own paper. The paper will be collected at the end of class and
used as an assessment. The teacher should judge how much time they
feel the class will need for this exercise.
Student Worksheet Part I
Solution for Student Worksheet Part I
After the class is done, discuss their answers to the questions posed in
the worksheet.
Elaboration
Hand out Part II of the Student Worksheet. Have each student complete it
on their own.
Go over their answers in class when they have completed them. The teacher
may choose to collect and correct the worksheets before discussing the answers
in class.
Student Worksheet Part II
Solution for Student Worksheet Part II
Evaluation
Formative assessment and observation should be evident throughout the
lesson. The worksheet, final questions during closure or a future
quiz may serve as summative assessment.
Closure
Have students write for three minutes what they have learned about spectra,
how they are represented and the usefulness of the different
representations.
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