X-Ray Spectra

In this activity, learners use simple materials to simulate the effect of X-rays in a safe way. Learners place a piece of window screen over a box and a cardboard pattern on top of the screen. They sprinkle sand over the area of the box. The sand simulates X-rays passing through the screen to the bottom of the box, except where they are blocked by the cardboard. Use this activity to demonstrate how X-rays create an image, including "soft" and shorter wavelength X-rays as well as X-rays from space.