Light and Waves Module

The Generate Game Module is an engaging interactive activity to teach students the properties of light and waves through several experiments that make waves, measure light, discover how light travels, and explore the electromagnetic spectrum. Teachers check out a CERT Light and Waves kit which contains components for 8 stations. The module also includes a link to an instructional video that shows teachers how to set up the activity. A classroom instructional video is then used to guide the students through the activity.

This module links directly with the science curriculum “Essential Standards and Clarifying Objectives” for 6th grade. Specifically, it aligns with the Forces and Motion standard, 6.P.1 (6.P.1.1 and 6.P.1.2) and 6.P.3 (6.P.3.2). To request a CERT Light and Wave kit or additional information, please contact us at CERT@ncat.edu.

Getting Started:

1.Read the Educator Introduction document and watch the Educator Preparation video found under “Basic Module” below.
2.Determine which date you will use the kit.
3.Contact CERT@ncat.edu to have a kit delivered the day before you will use it.

Basic Module:

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Educator Introduction

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Educator Preparation Short instructional video for teacher to explain set-up and classroom preparation

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Step-by-Step Set-up Instructions: notes to guide you during class delivery

Classroom video: CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Basics

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves Student Lab Sheet

Kit containing the components for 8 individual experimental set-ups for the classroom:

  • 8 lamps
  • 16 strings with metal ring on one end
  • 18 light meters
  • Power box for gas tubes
  • Neon (Ne), helium (He), mercury (Hg), argon (Ar), or sulphur (S) gas tubes (3 tubes from this selection will be in each kit)
  • 35 Rainbow Glasses
  • 8 Emission Line Spectra of Some Elements (reference sheet)
  • 3 power strips
  • 4 extension cords
  • Portable mouse
  • A memory stick containing all files listed above/below
  • A notebook with all documents listed above/below

Supplementary Materials

Additional Documents:

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Quiz Question Bank

Power Point presentation of video. These are provided to allow the educator to make variations if desired.

CERT Educational Series, Light and Waves, Basics.pptx