The following tools were developed using the IDL software package. They are freely disseminated to anyone. They have been tested extensively on Macintosh, Linux, and PC computers (workstations and laptops).

Light: Wavelength This tool introduces the concept of wavelength by allowing students to interactively 'shape' their own light wave. By stretching/compressing the wave they can convert the light from radio waves to gamma-rays. Secondary content includes energy, photons, wave/particle duality, luminosity, and XXX.
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Spectroscopy: Basics This tool introduces the student to the concept of a spectrum. It begins by showing the 'experimental design' of dispersing a light source (the Sun). The spectrum is then plotted as a colored histogram and/or its exact curve. Click here for more info

Spectroscopy: Spectrometer This tool is a very generic inquiry tool that inputs a spectrum (flux and wavelength) and enables the student to explore its properties. The input spectrum can be compared against a range of overlays including a Ne lamp, a star with user-specified temperature, a quasar, etc. Secondary content includes photons, velocity, redshift, temperature, chemical composition. Click here for more info

Spectroscopy: Spectral Lines This tool depicts the inner few orbital levels of the Hydrogen atom and allows the student to choose the starting and end orbitals for the electron. The tool then displays the spectral line associated with this transition. The student can choose to display the spectral line in emission or absorption. Secondary content includes velocity and redshift. Click here for more info