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Lesson Plan: Understanding Infrared Light

Activity Type: Lesson Plans / Curriculum |
Audience: Students, Teachers |
Grades: 5-8
|
Learning Time: 30 Minutes

This lesson plan educates students about the electromagnetic spectrum, or different forms of light detected by Earth-observing satellites. The Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS), a collaborative effort between NOAA and NASA, detects various wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum including infrared light to measure the temperature of Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere. The data from these measurements provide the nation with accurate weather forecasts, hurricane warnings, wildfire locations, and much more!

Included is an activity to construct homemade infrared goggles from materials you may already have.

Collage of activity text and illustrated graphics and diagrams.