1

The electromagnetic spectrum

in C21 science courses

Peter CampbellNuffield Curriculum Centre

2

C21 courses for 2006

Entry level GCSE Science

GCSE AdditionalScience

GCSE AdditionalApplied Science

GCSE BiologyGCSE Chemistry

GCSE Physics

or

Single AwardFull range GCSE

F and H tiers

Single AwardsFull range GCSEs

F and H tiers

Single AwardsFull range GCSEs

F and H tiers

For all students For most students For some studentsFor some students

OCR’s Entry LevelCourse feeds

into GCSE Science

3

GCSE Science for citizens & future scientists

Radiation and life module map the story: from personal to societal decisions,

national and international

related – ideas about science–science explanations

links to modules in other courses

4

Radiation & life: the big picture

Science explanations Electromagnetic spectrum - in terms of photon

energies

Radiation model: source, journey + detector

Ideas about science Language of risks and benefits

Correlation or cause: evaluating health studies

based on sample populations

5

Radiation models

Textbook section B (science explanations)– source-radiation-detector– radiation transfers energy: ray, wave or particle– absorbing electromagnetic radiation– ionizing and non-ionizing radiation

Activity AP2.6 Radiation journeys (circus of experiments)

6

Is there a health risk?

Textbook section D (ideas about science)

How would you know if there were health risks associated with using mobiles? Health surveys: sample size and matching populations

Precautionary principle: UK government recommends children under 8 years avoid using mobile phones.

Activity AP2.15 A safe place to live? Activity AP2.16 Microwave radiation near phone masts

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GCSE Additional Sciencefor future scientists

The wave model of radiation Wave equation c = f

Wave path: refraction, diffraction, interference

Activity:

Ripple tank experiments

8

GCSE Physics:P7 Observing the Universe

Black body radiation Line spectra

Life cycle of stars, explained by fusion