TEKS 8.
8C explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain information
about distances and properties of components in the universe
Wavestown
Objective:
Familiarize students with the different wavelengths of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
Teacher Directions:
• Copy and laminate a class set of the Wavestown Descriptions and
Wavestown.
• Copy a student page for each student.
• Using the descriptions of the different form of electromagnetic energy,
students will identify the different types being used at each letter in
Wavestown.
Letter Type of Wave Place used
A Visible Rainbow
B Radio waves Radio tower on Rays TV
C Radio waves/infrared Televisions/remotes use infrared
D Radio Radio in taxi
E Visible Photography/light
F Microwave Microwave oven
G Infrared Heat lamps
Tanning bed/also sun lotions
H Ultraviolet
block UV
I Ultraviolet Sunglasses block UV
J Gamma rays Nuclear medicine
K X rays Study bones
L Infrared Plants give off infrared
M Radio Satellite dish
N Radio Radio tower
Ultraviolet, infrared,
O Observatory
visible
P Visible Waves grill sign
Wavestown
Descriptions
The electromagnetic spectrum is used to study
space. The energy emitted by space objects travel
through empty space! The energy from
electromagnetic radiation is useful here on Earth.
1. Radio waves: this is the same kind of energy
that radio stations emit into the air for your boom
box to capture and turn into your favorite tunes.
But radio waves are also emitted by other things...
such as TVs, MRI machines, and even stars and
gases in space. You may not be able to dance to
what these objects emit, but you can use it to
learn what they are made of.
2. Microwaves: actually radio waves with the
lowest frequency… they will cook your popcorn in
just a few minutes! They are also used in radars
and cell phones. In space microwaves are used by
astronomers to learn about the structure of nearby
galaxies, including our own Milky Way!
3. Infrared: these are used in electric stoves,
toasters & heat lamps… we often think of this as
being the same thing as 'heat', because it makes
our skin feel warm. Plants and people give off
infrared. In space, infrared light maps the dust
between stars. (detected by thermograms)
4. Visible: yes, this is the part that our eyes see.
Visible radiation is emitted by everything from
fireflies to light bulbs to stars ... also by fast-
moving particles hitting other particles. Each
wavelength of light has a different color.
5. Ultraviolet: the Sun is a source of ultraviolet (or
UV) radiation. UV rays in small amounts cause our
skin to produce vitamin D, but too much can cause
sunburns and can even lead to cancer. Stars and
other "hot" objects in space emit UV radiation.
6. X-rays: they can go through your body to allow
doctors to uses them to look at your bones & your
dentist to look at your teeth. Hot gases in the
Universe also emit X-rays.
7. Gamma-rays: radioactive materials and some
nuclear reactions can emit gamma-rays. Controlled
amounts can be used to treat cancer, but too much
can also cause cancer. The biggest gamma-ray
generator of all is the Universe! It makes gamma
radiation in all kinds of ways. Gamma rays cannot
pass through the atmosphere from space!
A
P
O
B
N
G M
F
L
C K
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H I
D
TEKS 8.8C explore how different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum such as light and radio waves are used to gain
information about distances and properties of components in the universe
Wavestown
Objective:
Explore the different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Directions:
• Using the descriptions of the different electromagnetic spectrum waves,
match the wave type to the lettered places in Wavestown. Write you’re
the wave type in the table next to the letter.
• Label the electromagnetic spectrum at the bottom of the page with the
types of waves.
Letter in
Type of Wave
Wavestown
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
