The Electromagnetic Spectrum & Light Interactive Simulation | Physical Science | Grades 6–8

This Interactive Simulation has grades 6–8 Middle School Physical Science students run a hands-on classroom model of The Electromagnetic Spectrum & Light.

Driving question: "How do colored optical filters and polarizing sheets affect the transmission and absorption of light waves?" Objective: Measure light transmission percentages across colored absorption filters and crossed polarizing sheets using a digital lux meter to model optical wave behavior.

What's inside: objective and background, a materials list (One high-intensity regulated white LED…; One digital light illuminance meter…; One set of optical absorption filters:…; Two linear polarizing film sheets…), an 8-step protocol, a data table, 4 analysis questions, and teacher notes.

Resource type: Interactive Simulation (.docx). Format: editable Microsoft Word lab handout with approximately 680 words (~4 pages).

Classroom use: a team investigation in a Middle School Physical Science course. Grades 6–8.

Format note: These files are delivered in Microsoft Office formats (Word and/or PowerPoint). If you open a worksheet that includes tables in Apple Pages or another non-Microsoft app, table formatting may not display correctly. For best results, use Microsoft Word or PowerPoint (or upload the file to Google Docs). If you run into any formatting issues, contact us and we can send a PDF version.