Corinne Fish

Corinne Fish

Lesson Plan

Satellite Meteorology Workshop 2005

Chemistry, Reedsburg Area High School

Electromagnetic Spectrum—The Rainbow we don’t See

Objectives: 1. Students will be able to describe each type of electromagnetic radiation and list them in order of increasing wavelength.

2. Students will be able to explain the mathematical relationship among he speed, wavelength, and frequency of electromagnetic radiation
Introductory Activity:

1. 
   Review the flame color lab.
   
2. 
   Use the spectrophotometer to show emission spectra for noble gases and halogens.
   
3. 
   Relate colors of light to different energies and wavelengths in the visible spectrum.
   

Lesson: 1. Define electromagnetic radiation and pass out spectrum chart.

Explain how small the visible part of the spectrum. Discuss the other types of radiation and what they are used for.

2. 
   Have students move to computers. Have them open up Module 3 of the Satellite Meteorology course. Students will read through the module in groups of 2 or 3. A recorder should write the groups answers to the assessment questions.
   
3. 
   Bring students back together. Go over the equations relating the frequency, wavelength and energy of a waves. Introduce Max Plank and Plank’s constant. Do a sample problem.
   
4. 
   Send students back to their computers to work on the problems at the end of Module 3. Collect each groups’ assessment answers and problems.
   

Closing Activity:

1. 
   Put current IR satellite picture for GOES east on the TV screen. Discuss what it shows about weather and which wavelengths it uses to take the picture. Calculate the frequency and energy of the waves.
   
2. 
   Assign electromagnetic calculations and identification sheet.