Understanding and Using Radio Waves
by Elizabeth Rubio
The focus of this book is on the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum called radio waves, but it also does a good job covering what the electromagnetic spectrum is. It also explains the difference between ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, which ties into the books X-Rays and The Radium Girls. The book also looks at the many ways radio waves are used.
Super Science Feats: Medical Breakthroughs: X-Rays
by Alicia Z. Klepeis
This book briefly covers what x-rays are and what they can do.
The Radium Girls
by Kate Moore
What happens when people are exposed to light waves emitted from radioactive material? This book tells the stories of a group of women who were exposed to radioactive radium through their work. This is not an easy read emotionally, but it tells a very important story.
Microwaves
by Tracy Vonder Brink
Ever wondered how microwave ovens work? Check out this book for a brief overview of microwaves and how they are used to cook food.
Bonus Book: WiFi (How It Works)
by Janet Slingerland
This book provides an introduction to WiFi. It includes what radio waves are and how they are used to transmit signals, connecting devices through WiFi networks.
The electromagnetic spectrum (EMS) is one of my favorite science topics, and there are so many different things you can do with it. Here are just a few.
Search for Waves
Light waves are all around us all the time. Have students look around them to see how many different types of electromagnetic light waves they can find in their daily lives.
Give students an EMS chart like this one: https://www.ces.fau.edu/nasa/module-2/radiation-sun.php. Have them place things that use EMS waves onto the chart, in their proper location. For instance, everything we see falls into the visible light area of the EMS. Cameras/photographs could also be placed in this area.
BBC Bitesize has a great table that details different ways the various EMS wave types are used: https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z79hvcw/revision/2
Explore Light
As explained in Understanding and Using Radio Waves, NASA uses radio waves to explore outer space. They have a great educators guide that covers the electromagnetic spectrum: https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/the-electromagnetic-spectrum-unit. The activities involve building spectroscopes, instruments that allow people to separate and study light.
Exploratorium has another spectrograph activity: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/cd-spectroscope
To explore how light is used to transmit audio, check out this activity: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/modulated-led. This would be great for a makerspace.
Another type of light that’s fun to explore is polarized light. This activity is also reminiscent of x-rays: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/bone-stress
Have Fun with Luminescence
As described in The Radium Girls, people were enthralled by the luminescent beauty of radium. Here’s an activity that explores luminescence using a chemical reaction: https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/glow-up
You could also have fun exploring with a UV flashlight. This ties in with STEM Tuesday’s Bioluminescence topic from October 2024.
Consider OSHA
The story of the radium girls helped spur the creation of OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). Some legislators have called for eliminating OSHA. Have students explore OSHA – https://www.osha.gov – and what is does. After this investigation, do they believe OSHA should be eliminated or not? Have them write an essay or hold a debate to present their positions.
More Activities
Here’s another makerspace activity to build a WiFi antenna out of cans: https://www.shtfpreparedness.com/build-tin-can-wifi-antenna
PBS Electromagnetic Spectrum Tour: https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/electromagnetic-spectrum.html
PBS Learning Media – The Electromagnetic Spectrum (grades 9-12): https://whyy.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/buac20-912-sci-ps-emspectruminfographic/the-electromagnetic-spectrum
5 Activities to Explore the EMS: https://www.brightinthemiddle.com/exploring-the-electromagnetic-spectrum-through-5-fun-wow-factor-activities
Janet Slingerland is the author of more than 20 books for young readers. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out http://janetsbooks.com.
