Electromagnetic Radiation | New Visions for Public Schools
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Physics Unit 5

Electromagnetic Radiation

OpenSciEd Physics

6 weeks

Unit Overview

How do we use radiation in our lives, and is it safe for humans?

This unit uses the example of microwave ovens to explore wave behavior, electromagnetic radiation, and its interactions with matter. Students investigate how these principles apply to everyday technologies, evaluate safety concerns, and apply their understanding to assess the safety of 5G technology.

*This performance expectation is developed across multiple units.
†This performance expectation is developed across multiple courses.

Performance Expectations:

HS-PS2-5*, HS-PS4-1, HS-PS4-2, HS-PS4-3, HS-PS4-4, HS-PS4-5, HS-ESS2-4†, *, †

Coming Soon

Coming Soon!

We are putting the finishing touches on this unit! Fully aligned adapted materials—crafted specifically for NYCPS and NY State standards—will be ready in late-September. Make sure you’ve registered for an account, and we’ll email you when the links are live.

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Lesson Set 1:

How does a microwave oven heat up food?

Lesson 1:

How do microwave ovens function, and why does their structure affect wireless signals?

Lesson 2:

How does a microwave oven use electricity to produce microwave radiation?

Lesson 3:

How does energy transfer through a wave?

Lesson 4:

How does an antenna transfer energy to matter at a distance?

Lesson 5:

How does radiation interact with the parts of the microwave oven system?

Lesson 6:

How can we use interactions between matter and electromagnetic radiation to explain the increase in global temperatures?

Lesson: 7

Why do some substances heat up faster than other materials in a microwave oven?

Lesson 8:

Why do we see patterns of hot and cold spots in the microwave oven?

Lesson Set 2:

How do we use electromagnetic radiation safely in our lives?

Lesson 9:

What other types of EM radiation are there, and how do we use them?

Lesson 10:

Does all electromagnetic radiation cause damage?

Lesson 11:

How can we use EM radiation to create and store digital images?

Lesson 12:

How are our wireless electronic devices designed to use EM waves to reliably communicate different types of information?

Lesson 13:

Is communication technology that uses radiation safe?