Electromagnetic Spectrum: Radio Waves
These sites explain how radio waves are a part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes information about AM and FM frequencies and how to measure waves. Also includes a biography on Marconi, inventor of the radio. Includes several animated movies, hands-on activities and interactive quizzes. There is a link to an eThemes Resource on sound.
The Electromagnetic Spectrum
This site provides a good overview of waves and electromagnetic waves. Follow the links to view short and long waves, including radio waves. Also mentions microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, and gamma rays.
This interactive page lets you adjust the energy of waves, then measure its frequency and wavelength. Explore the entire site for more on waves, and be sure to click on "Brain Teasers" and "Light Facts" on every page.
How the Radio Spectrum Works
This site explains the radio spectrum. Explains why AM and FM have different bands. NOTE: The site includes pop-up and banner ads.
PBS: A Science Odyssey: Guglelmo Marconi
A brief biography of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of the radio. Click on "Radio Transmission" at the bottom of the page for an interactive activity with audio. Change the wave frequency and listen to the result. Requires Shockwave.
How Radio Works
Read an explanation on how radios work. Click on "Next Page" at the bottom to start. Both amplitude modulation and frequency modulation waves are discussed. NOTE: The site includes pop-up and banner ads.
Listen to sounds of several planets and a black hole recorded by radio astronomers.
More about Radio waves and Electromagnetic Radiation
Learn about radio waves and their frequencies. Explore links at the bottom of the page to learn how waves carry information and how wavelength is measured, what frequency is, and much more.
Find out how radio waves carry sound. NOTE: The reading level is for older students.
Quia: Ordering the Spectrum
Take this interactive quiz to test your knowledge of the order of the electromagnetic spectrum.
EdHelper: Sound Theme Unit: Sound Movement
This worksheet has a crossword with terms related to radio waves. Includes Answers.
EdHelper: Sound Theme Unit: Sound
Print out this page and complete a crossword. Includes Answers.
CIA World Factbook: Radio Broadcast Stations
This page lists the number of AM and FM radio broadcasts each country has.
Watch a movie that explains how radio works and how radio signals are transmitted. There are topics on electromagnetic spectrum, radar, and cellphone. Includes activities and a quiz at the bottom of a page. NOTE: This site requires a subscription.
eThemes Resource: Physics: Sound
These sites explain sound waves and how the ear hears sounds. Includes information on sonic booms and decibels. Listen to a variety of sounds, play a virtual piano, watch movies about sound, or try several hands-on experiments.