Embedded Files
Spectrum Lab is an online data visualization tool and set of investigations that supports students in learning about light, color, and the electromagnetic spectrum by working with hands-on materials, models and simulations, and authentic scientific spectral data.
Implemented over 3 to 8 class periods, Spectrum Lab activities promote students' reasoning about light and color phenomena. A curated database of over 100 model and observed spectra from a variety of disciplines helps students to use these data to explore interesting questions about the world while gaining fluency with a range of important science practices.
Spectrum Lab At a Glance
Spectrum Lab At a Glance
Module 1
How does the interaction of light and matter affect the colors we see?
Preview some disciplines that make use of spectra (astronomy, chemistry, earth science, environmental chemistry, museum conservation, and lighting design)
Make predictions while exploring light and color with hands-on materials (colored filters and LED lights)
Explore an online PhET simulation that demonstrates the photon model of light and how light colors mix differently from paint colors
Use photon model to explain the phenomena of emission, reflection, absorption, transmission
Module 2
How can a spectrum tell us more than our eyes can perceive?
Learn how diffraction gratings work; build a spectroscope using a diffraction grating and cardboard tube and use it to observe spectra of different types of lights in your environment
Use online Spectrum Tool to learn how scientists represent light graphically and practice interpreting spectrum graphs
Explore how spectrum graphs relate to what is seen through a spectroscope
Visualize the relationship between the wavelength, energy, and color of light
Module 3
What can spectra tell us about an object's temperature?
Explore how an object’s spectrum relates to its color
Use online Spectrum Tool to explore how an object’s thermal emission relates to color and temperature
Explore features of thermal emission spectra—including both theoretical spectra and actual emission spectra from stars of different temperatures, light bulbs, and planets
Module 4
What can spectra tell us about an object's composition?
What can spectra tell us about an object's composition?
Learn about the atomic model and how it relates to emission and absorption lines in spectra
Use online Spectrum Tool to explore how scientists identify elements and compounds through their spectral signatures
Determine what elements and compounds are present in various space and earth-based spectra
Module 5
Final Projects - Apply spectroscopy concepts and skills to:
Final Projects - Apply spectroscopy concepts and skills to:
Design the lighting scheme for a saltwater reef aquarium that is healthy, and looks great too.
Explore the atmospheres of alien worlds trillions of miles away using real Hubble and JWST data
Investigate the pigments used in paintings from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
Examine our curated dataset of over 100 spectra across multiple disciplines, or upload your own
Spectrum Lab NGSS Alignment
Key Disciplinary Core Ideas
An object can reflect, absorb, emit or transmit light.
Light carries energy; relationship between wavelength, frequency, energy, color
There are colors (wavelengths) of light beyond the ones we can see
An object’s spectrum contains clues to its composition
Key Practices
Interpreting and analyzing data
Constructing Explanations, Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Cross Cutting Concept
Energy and Matter
Page updated
Report abuse