NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Electromagnetic Spectrum

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘The properties of waves’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson starts with a definition of the electromagnetic spectrum, and students are told that waves from different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum are used in everyday appliances and gadgets. They will then need to discuss in their pairs which parts of the electromagnetic spectrum they have learned about before.

The next slide shows the electromagnetic spectrum as a continuous spectrum, with waves of different wavelengths having different effects. The image provided shows the uses of each part of the spectrum. The next couple of slides provides some more information about the EM spectrum, including a diagram which shows how the wavelength, energy and frequency of the waves change through the spectrum. Students will then be asked to complete a progress check, based upon what they have learned so far in the lesson. The task can be self-assessed using the mark scheme provided.

The next part of the lesson focuses on the speed of electromagnetic waves, the equation for wave speed will be shown to students again, as well as a worked example. After this, students will complete a set of calculations using the same wave speed equation. Students can either self-assess or peer-assess their work using the mark scheme provided.

Next, students will complete a summary quiz and a model exam question on the topic of the EM spectrum. The answers to both these tasks are included, so students can either self-assess or peer-assess their work using the mark schemes provided.

The plenary task is for students to summarise what they have learned in today’s lesson in three sentences, using as many key words as they can from the key word provided.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know in the comments section and any feedback would be appreciated.