Description:
Life on earth is dependent upon energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation from the sun. Students calculate the surface irradiance of the sun and earth using the Stefan-Boltzman Law, and calculate peak emission wavelengths using the Wien Displacement Law. They identify the "type" of peak emission energy using an electromagnetic spectrum diagram. They describe the relationship between the temperature of an object and the wavelength of peak energy emission.

This investigation is under development. To participate in pilot testing, go to the website for NASA Goddard Earth and Space Science Education Project (GESSEP): http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/experimental/July61999siteupdate/inv99Project.Site/invhome.html and click on "To Pilot Investigations."

Organization:
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

URL:
http://education.gsfc.nasa.gov/experimental/all98invProject.Site/Pages/earth-sunconnections/inv4/ems.abstract.html

Contact:
Activity Principal Investigator: Gregg A. Stickler
NASA GSFC Scientist: Lee Kyle

GESSEP Program Principal Investigator: Steve Gilligan
Email: charles1@mail.ameritel.net

GESSEP Program Co-Investigator: Vern Smith
Email: vern@aesp.nasa.okstate.edu

Cost:
Free over the Internet

Education Level:
Grades 9-12

Subject:
Earth System Science
Energy
Light

Resource Type:
Internet Site
Curriculum/Instructional Materials
 
 

Date Added to teachearth.com:
5/1/00