Table Set-up with Materials near Lamp Stand (below)

Target Audience: Parents of elementary school students (grades 3-6) and Middle and High School Students

Objectives:

1. Introduce Electromagnetic Spectrum and the wide range of wavelengths and photon energies including those of visible light and invisible light – undetectable by the human eye – such as infra-red, x-ray, ultraviolet.

2. Discussion of various well known applications of visible and invisible light and how it relates to the Electromagnetic Spectrum.

3. Observe the colors of visible light; violet to red using small handheld, spectroscope and diffraction slide. 4. Observe difference of color spectrum with different light sources; compact fluorescent, LED,

incandescent. 5. Provide interaction with engineering students.

BOM: Diffraction Grating Slides (20 for each table), variety of spectrometers; including the hand-made CD version (see attached), manufactured devices, three or more 40 watt equivalent bulbs (about 400 lm), 3 or more simple reflector lamps (clamp on) for display of bulbs, stand approximately 5.5 ft that allows for position of three clamp lamps each holding a different type of bulb at different horizontal level. Electromagnetic Spectrum handouts that includes spectrum with wave lengths and frequency and general energy levels. Lamp specifications spreadsheet as a reference for a variety of standard bulbs available from national chains (e.g. Lowes and Home Depot), including price, lumen output, predicted hours of operation, …List of online information on light bulb performance.

Item Supplier / website Cost(approximate)

Diffraction Grating Slide www.rainbowsymphonystore.com/difgratslidl.html $.35 / eachSpectrometers www.scientificsonline.com - selection Varied pricingReflective Clamp Lamp – Coleman Cable Clamp Light

www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM2157487603P?prdNo=16&blockNo=41&blockType=G41

Approx. $9.37

LED Bulb 40 Lumen equivalent (Sylvania)

Lowe’s or Home Depot Approx. $22.00 each

Compact Fluorescent Bulb 40 Lumen equivalent (GE)

Lowe’s or Home Depot Approx. $6.50 each

Incandescent Bulb40 Lumen equivalent (Sylvania)

Lowe’s or Home Depot Approx. $.50 each

Lamp Stand Make shift structure that could support the three reflective lamps.

No cost available.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Introduction

Set Up: Position stand with three clamp lamps between 4 – 6 feet from round tables. Position three clamp lamps with different bulbs as shown in picture below. Place all BOM materials on tables set up near the three lamps. Invite participants to look at each light source through the various spectrometers provided and comment on the difference seen.

Activities:

1. Introduce mentor(s) and general purpose of activities2. Introduce Electromagnetic Spectrum and the wide range of wavelengths and photon energies including

those of visible light and invisible light – undetectable by the human eye – such as infra-red, x-ray, ultraviolet. Include discussion of various well known applications of visible and invisible light and how it relates to the Electromagnetic Spectrum.

3. Observe the colors of visible light; violet to red using small handheld, spectroscope and diffraction slide. 4. Observe difference of color spectrum with different light sources; compact fluorescent, LED,

incandescent. 5. Discuss light bulb options and general information available6. Discuss what has been learned about light bulb options.7. Take general questions on the experience of being an engineering student

Outcomes:

1. Audience will be better informed about the technology of light.2. Audience will be able to provide an example of how engineers approach problem solving and/or the

development of a new product.3. Audience will be better able to understand and appreciate the other activities offered at the event,

especially the one on the color of light.4. Audience will be better informed about the properties of light, Smart Lighting and its potential to impact

the quality of their lives through the generation, sensing and control of light.5. Audience will have an increased understanding and enthusiasm for what engineers do and for an

engineering career.6. Audience will visit the website of the Smart Lighting ERC.

Resources:

The major resources required for mentors or for self-guided exploration are included in the handouts. It is assumed that the mentors are engineering students, preferably from Electrical Engineering or practicing EEs. However, anyone with some practical experience in electronics can also be a mentor.

Takeaways:

Either a handout with the list of online information, light bulb specifications, etc. and a single link to all information online. The latter is a mechanism for encouraging the interested public to visit the website of the Smart Lighting ERC. The link provided should also help connect the audience to information on engineering, engineering careers, and K-12 STEM education. http://smartlighting.rpi.edu/index.shtml

Lamp Stand

Reference Materials : Electromagnetic Spectrum diagrams