Communicating about light, the atmosphere, and the electromagnetic spectrum with the paintings of Alma Thomas.

SKILL: As scientists, we will make sense of natural phenomena and convey information to a wider audience in multiple ways. We will iterate in order to make our communication more successful.

CONTENT: Light is one, small part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Each part of the spectrum has different effects. The way scientists communicate about content can be refined to be more effective.

PROTOCOL: The Background and Compare sections of this lesson facilitate teacher-led instruction and class discussion. The Connect and Communicate sections should be completed in small groups using a worksheet as a guideline. The Extension section combines teacher-led instruction and class discussion with a guided note taking sheet. The Research Extension section provides the opportunity for individual research and creative work.

This Learning Lab collection was created by Roey Leonardi, a student in the summer 2022 Smithsonian Digital Learning and Engagement Internship, in collaboration with Emerson Collective and the Smithsonian American Art Museum. #SAintern

This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative