CD Spectroscope

• Math Brainteaser: [5-10 minutes] – (Blank)
• Hook: [5 minutes] – Ask students if they’ve ever seen a rainbow and why they think it appears.
• Lesson and Activity: [20 minutes] – Build the spectroscope and explore light sources.
• Cleanup and Discussion: [10 minutes] – Questions: “What did you notice about the light spectrum from different sources?” “How does this experiment help us understand light?”

Materials

• An Old CD or DVD: To diffract the light.
• Black Construction Paper: To make the body of the spectroscope.
• A Box or Tube (like a paper towel tube): As the structure of the spectroscope.
• Scissors or Box Cutter: To cut the paper and box.
• Tape or Glue: To assemble the spectroscope.
• Ruler and Marker: For measuring and marking.
• A Small Slit: Can be made using a razor blade or cut precisely in the tube.