WebQuest Activity: Electromagnetic Spectrum
Name: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _______
Introduction: The electromagnetic spectrum is a way of labeling differing wavelengths of light. The energy produced by these
waves depends directly on the wavelength. Some of these waves are extremely harmful, some we can feel, and some we
can see. Below is a chart of electromagnetic energy and its various forms.
Cosmic Rays
Background radiation; particles of enormous energy given off by stars.
Gamma Rays
Deadly high energy given out by the stars and in nuclear reactions..
X-Rays
High energy used in X-ray equipment.
Ultraviolet Rays
Invisible energy waves in sunlight, which cause skin to tan and can lead to skin cancer.
Visible Light
Basic colors of light, emitted by the sun and visible to the human eye. ROYGBIV.
Infrared Rays
Rays of heat energy. Various organisms, such as bees, use them to see.
Radio Waves
Microwaves; TV; radio (FM, AM) energy
Complete the questions below:
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l1/emspectrum.html
In your web browser, type in the address above and answer the following questions:
1.What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
2.What is radiation?
3.While at the website http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/dictionary.html, roll the mouse over each of the following words
and write what comes up in the box to describe each.
a.visible light
b.microwaves
c.gamma-rays
d.infrared
e.ultraviolet light
f.X-rays
g.radio waves
4.What is the order of the electromagnetic spectrum from highest to lowest energy?
Use the visual below to answer question 5.
(a) Longer wavelength; (b) shorter wavelength
5.Which has more energy, A or B? Explain your reasoning.
6.Define a wavelength.
7.What is a frequency of a wavelength?
8.For visible light (ROYGBIV), which has the shortest wavelength? Which has the longest? Place all the other colors in
order based on their wavelength from shortest to longest.
http://www.lbl.gov/MicroWorlds/ALSTool/EMSpec/EMSpec2.html
Go to the link above and answer the following questions:
a.What kind of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength? The longest?
b.What kind of electromagnetic radiation could be used to "see" molecules? A cold virus?
Explain your reasoning.
c.Why can't you use visible light to "see" molecules?
d.Some insects, like bees, can see light of shorter wavelengths than humans can see. What kind of radiation do you think a
bee sees? Explain your reasoning.
Create a Book
Task: A recent study shows that 60% of all seventh grade science students have trouble understanding the electromagnetic
spectrum. You and your friends decide to investigate and note that the textbook they are using doesn't explain the concepts
simply enough. So, you decide to write a short book of your own explaining the concepts in a more appropriate way. Your
objective is to write a book that will help all seventh grade students better understand the electromagnetic spectrum.
Process: The book that you compose should be appropriate for a seventh grade student. Your book should include:
 Cover: Your book cover should have the name of the book, your name, and class. The cover should be neat, creative,
and colorful. (10 points)
 Table of Contents: This should only be a page or so long and include the central ideas of the book. (10 points)
 Basic Information: This will include the definition of electromagnetic radiation, examples of electromagnetic radiation,
where it comes from, and other essential information concerning electromagnetic radiation. (30 points)
 Real World Applications: In this section, you will give examples of how electromagnetic radiation effects the everyday
world that we live in. (EXAMPLE: X-rays are used for diagnostic purposes in the medical field) (20 points)
 Glossary: Your glossary should include at least ten (10) words included in your book with appropriate definitions. This
is where descriptions of words like wavelength, frequency will take place. Don’t waste space on the book pages with
wordy explanations of terms you can fit here. (30 points)
Please see Ms. Knick for examples.
This assignment is worth 100 points! 
The assignment is due on Friday, November 14th at the beginning of class. No Exceptions!