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Light Waves and Phosphorescence
Submitted by: Patrick A.
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Grades 6–8
Time Requirements:
Activity Time: 1–2 hours
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
The Practice of Science, Nature of Science, Forms of Energy
National Science Standards Alignment
SC.6-8.N.1.1. Define a problem from the curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan
and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and
organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.
SC.7.P.10.1. Illustrate that the sun's energy arrives as radiation with a wide range of wavelengths, including infrared, visible, and
ultraviolet, and that white light is made up of a spectrum of many different colors.
SC.7.P.10.2. Observe and explain that light can be reflected, refracted, and/or absorbed.
SC.7.P.10.3. Recognize that light waves, sound waves, and other waves move at different speeds in different materials.
Materials:
• Phosphorescent Wall — A 90s toy called "Nickelodeon's Flash Screen" works great. If not available, then a poster coated in
phosphorescent zinc sulfide will work and these are available at several DIY science websites and store. You can also make
your own with Zinc sulfide phosphorescent powder, white latex paint, and a poster board.
• Multicolored flashlights of every color in the rainbow — ROY G. BIV — Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.
Works best if the produce narrow beams of light.
• A light capable of making a flash of light — like a camera flash.
• A very dark room.
Background Information, Activity Setup:
• Students should be already familiar with the properties of waves such as wavelength, frequency, crests, troughs,
mechanical vs electromagnetic, etc.
• Begin with a bell work question asking students to guess how glow in the dark materials work.
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