• Electromagnetic radiation (e.g., radio, microwaves, light) can be modeled as a wave of changing electric and magnetic fields or as particles called photons. The wave model is useful for explaining many features of electromagnetic radiation, and the particle model explains other features. (9-12)

• Time, space, and energy phenomena can be observed at various scales using models to study systems that are too large or too small. (6-8)
• Phenomena that can be observed at one scale may not be observable at another scale. (6-8)

• 6-8: 4F/M1. Light from the sun is made up of a mixture of many different colors of light, even though to the eye the light looks almost white. Other things that give off or reflect light have a different mix of colors.
• 6-8: 4F/M5. Human eyes respond to only a narrow range of wavelengths of electromagnetic waves-visible light. Differences of wavelength within that range are perceived as differences of color.
• 6-8: 4F/M8. There are a great variety of electromagnetic waves: radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet rays, X-rays, and gamma rays. These wavelengths vary from radio waves, the longest, to gamma rays, the shortest.

This three-minute NASA video introduces the seven categories of the electromagnetic spectrum in a way that is understandable for middle and high school students.  Requires Quicktime plug-in to operate.

• Physical Sciences K-8 Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum Unit
• Physics First Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum Unit
• Conceptual Physics Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum Unit
• Algebra-Based Physics Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum Unit
• AP/Calculus-Based Physics Electromagnetic Radiation and the Spectrum Unit