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Beyond the Rainbow – The Invisible World

Take a journey beyond the rainbow in this whistle-stop tour of the electromagnetic spectrum.What do mobile phones, microwaves, suntans, night-vision cameras and your radio have in common? Why does your mobile phone make your radio click, and how do X-rays see through your skin?

See how light can be polarised and find out why the sky is blue. Play ‘guess the object’ in our thermal imaging picture game, and listen to the way your TV remote control sounds!

By getting to grips with the wavelength and frequency of different types of radiation, all will become clear!

“There is no doubt at all that you made a big impact on the pupils. Your presence was definitely good for physics and for science in general” – School Headmaster

 

Learning Objectives

Key Stage 4

After watching the show Key stage 4 pupils should:

  • Develop an understanding that the electromagnetic spectrum is a range of radiation with differing wavelengths and properties
  • Understand the terms wavelength and frequency and how they relate to electromagnetic waves
  • Understand the differences between sound waves and light waves
  • Understand that white light is one small part of the electromagnetic spectrum – and the only part that is visible to the human eye
  • Be able to list a number of different types of electromagnetic radiation from the following list (gamma rays, X-rays, ultra-violet, visible light, infrared, microwave, radio wave)
  • Gain an awareness of the uses and applications of electromagnetic radiation in every day life
  • Gain an awareness of which forms of radiation can be dangerous to the human body and which are considered mostly safe
  • Understand that all electromagnetic waves can be polarised and observe polarisation in action using visible light

 

Duration

60 minutes

Suggested audiences

  • Ages 11 and over
  • General public adult groups

We will need the venue to provide

  • Power sockets
  • Projector screen
  • Two long tables
  • Ability to darken room
What people say about us

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    • “David was very clever, funny and kept the children engaged.”
      Cross Gates Primary School
    • “You had an attentive and appreciative audience, quite an achievement when you consider that there were eight hundred 14-16 year olds in the auditorium”
      R. Newby, The Training Partnership
    • “Zoe was very pleasant, enthusiastic and engaged the children throughout each show. A very enjoyable day, everyone commented on Zoe’s enthusiasm”
      Uplands Junior School
    • “There is no doubt at all that you made a big impact on the pupils, on the parents and indeed on all those who were privileged to be present”
      R. Court, Birkdale School, Sheffield
    • “Both the staff and pupils thoroughly enjoyed watching the shows and taking part; it was a very welcome addition to our Science Day which provided and opportunity to present science to the children in an exciting way.”
      Thomas Jolyffe Primary School
    • “Your contribution has drawn extremely positive comments from all sections of the school community – pupils and staff, parents, governors and others”
      K. Geary, Marlwood School, Bristol
    • “The show was organised, professional and creative. Many thanks for your hard work and commitment.”
      J. Ford, Barry Comprehensive
    • “We all thoroughly enjoyed the two different shows that you put on for us! The children were all talk about them the following day! The teachers were too!”
      Mary Mother of Hope School, Dublin