Lesson Plan

• Describe how all objects above absolute zero emit electromagnetic radiation.
• Explain why the peak emission at everyday temperatures lies in the infrared region.
• Apply Wien’s displacement law to predict the dominant wavelength of an object.
• Distinguish thermal radiation from conduction and convection.
• Identify everyday technologies that rely on infrared radiation.

• Projector or interactive whiteboard
• PowerPoint slides with spectrum diagram
• Infrared thermometer or thermal‑imaging demo
• Worksheet with Wien’s law calculations
• Whiteboard and markers
• Sample objects (e.g., warm cup of tea)

Begin with a striking image from a thermal‑imaging camera to capture interest. Ask students what they think produces the colours they see and link this to prior knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum. State that by the end of the lesson they will be able to explain why all objects emit infrared radiation and predict the wavelength of peak emission.

1. Do‑now (5'): Quick quiz on visible vs. infrared parts of the spectrum (check prior knowledge).
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Introduce thermal radiation, black‑body concept and Wien’s displacement law with a diagram (guided questioning).
3. Demonstration (10'): Use an infrared thermometer on a hand, a cup of warm water, and discuss the readings (observable evidence).
4. Guided practice (10'): Worksheet where students calculate λ_max for given temperatures using Wien’s law (peer checking).
5. Real‑world connections (5'): Discuss thermal cameras, building insulation, and remote controls (class discussion).
6. Misconception check (5'): True/false statements on common misconceptions; students hold up cards (formative assessment).
7. Exit ticket (5'): Write one sentence summarising why infrared is called “thermal” radiation (retrieval).

Recap that every object above absolute zero emits infrared radiation and that Wien’s law predicts the peak wavelength. Collect the exit tickets to gauge understanding, and assign a short homework task: research an everyday device that uses infrared and explain how it works.