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Classroom Activity: Using Light to Study Planets

A light bulb is visible on the left and a rainbow of colors is visible on the right.

In this activity, students will build a spectrometer using basic materials to observe the light emitted and absorbed by several sources. This will be used as a model for how NASA uses spectroscopy to determine the nature of elements found on Earth and other planets. For higher grades, this activity can also be used to discuss advanced spectroscopic topics, such as how NASA research is advancing spectroscopic techniques to teach us more about plant life on Earth.

View the full classroom activity on the JPL Education website ›

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