Explore how an absorption spectrum can be used to monitor chemical processes!
Students become both chemists and physicists while studying light using 3D-printed spectrometer. In this storyline students move from exploring how an electronic spectroscope works to graphing absorption spectra of a variety of biological pigments. This background allows students to then image chemical reactions for a pH change and explore the process of respiration in living yeast using real-time data collection and analysis. Dr. Jesse Wilson’s laboratory at CSU helped to design the software for the electronic spectroscope, and they are using tightly focused laser light to study biological molecules in a similar manner to the experiments in this kit
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices include: 1)
NGSS Crosscutting Concepts include:1)
NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas
Class Requirements
- 8th grade and up
- Moderate teacher preparation
- One to two class periods
- 30 students or less working in pairs
- Science notebooks
- Sink
- Paper towels
Colors of Life STEM Kit Resources
- Colors of Life STEM Kit Facilitator’s Guide (complete teacher guide – coming soon)
- Colors of Life STEM Kit Instruction Booklet (available upon request – email name and school to Dr. Andrew Warnock)
- Science Notebook Template (for use in lieu of Science Notebooks)
- Science Notebook Template (Spanish version)
Borrowing Colors of Life STEM Kits
There is no charge to educators who wish to borrow any of our STEM kits. We appreciate applications be submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of the desired use date. The Loan Application Form require you to confirm your email address before it will be sent to the NSEOC – so once you click submit, check your email (including the junk folder)! You should also get a copy of the form for your records via email, if you don’t, please contact Jordan Conley (jordan.conley@colostate.edu).
- For educators in the immediate area of Fort Collins (i.e.: Greeley, Loveland, Ault, Windsor, Johnstown, etc.), we ask that you select the local pick-up option on the Loan Application Form.
- For educators in Colorado outside of the immediate Fort Collins area, please select the local pick-up option on the Loan Application Form and the kits will be shipped to you.
- Educator Feedback Survey – must be completed after returning kits to the NSEOC and before another kit can be requested
