The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light, Sound and Waves

A slogan to aid the teaching of light

Teaching Guidance for 11-14 Supporting Physics Teaching

Sight and light

If there is no light available to reflect from the surface of an object, then you will not be able to detect (see) it. The simple, and pretty obvious, rule is:

Teacher Tip: No light: no sight.

Can you say how the light is provided to aid the sight for items in these three images?

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Thinking About Teaching Collection

Seeing with light - Teaching and learning issues

The Teaching and Learning Issues presented here explain the challenges faced in...

For 11-14 12 Resources

Other resources onThe Electromagnetic Spectrum
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light, Sound and Waves PRACTICAL PHYISCS

Spectra

Class practical: Students use a diffraction grating as a tool for observing the spectra from a variety of light sources.

Practical Activity 14-16

The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light, Sound and Waves PRACTICAL PHYISCS

Herschel’s infra-red experiment

Class practical: This is a recreation of Herschel’s experiment, published in 1800, in which he discovered infra-red radiation.

Practical Activity 14-16

The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Light, Sound and Waves Supporting Physics Teaching

Blackouts

Angela, a year 7 pupil, came out of the darkroom and was asked whether she was able to see her hand in front of her nose. No...

Teaching Guidance 11-14

Misconceptions
RESEARCH REVIEW

Some students confuse the primary colours taught in art with the primary colours of light

  • Number of Resources2
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources4
RESEARCH REVIEW Light, Sound and Waves

Many students have an understanding of how coloured filters work, some believe they change the nature of the light in some way

  • Number of Resources2
  • Number of References1
  • Number of Diagnostic Resources8
IOP AWARDS 2025

Teachers of Physics Awards

The Teachers of Physics Award celebrates the success of secondary school physics teachers who have raised the profile of physics and science in schools. Nominations for 2025 are now open.

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