Crosscutting Concepts
Crosscutting Concepts Addressed
1) Patterns
Different patterns may be observed at each of the scales at which a system is studied and can provide evidence for causality in explanations of phenomena.
Activities correlating to this Crosscutting Concept:
  • AAPT Lesson: Using Balloons and Buttons to Model Spectroscopy
  • PhET Simulation: Models of the Hydrogen Atom
  • Concord Consortium: Light & Matter Interactions
  • NOVA: Decoding Cosmic Spectra
  • CK12 Foundation: Atomic Emission Spectra
  • LASP: Explore Saturn and Titan with Spectral Data
  • LaserStars: Gas Discharge Spectra
  • University of Arizona: Photoelectron Spectra



2) Structure and Function The functions and properties of natural and designed objects can be inferred from their overall structure, the way their components are shaped and used, and the molecular substructure of its various materials.
Activities correlating to this Crosscutting Concept:
  • Nebraska Astronomy Applet Project: Hydrogen Energy Levels Lab
  • PBS Learning Media: Astronomical Images in Different Wavelengths
  • Bozeman Science: Emission and Absorption Spec
  • UC Berkeley: Absorption and Emission Spectra
  • NASA Goddard Space Center: Spectra and What They Can Tell Us
  • Johns Hopkins Department of Physics & Astronomy: What Are Those Squiggly Lines? Using Light to Learn about the Universe


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