Interested in Spectral Challenge? Not sure how to get started? Browse the steps below, then pick and choose a sequence that works for you and your community! Believe it or not, you can do spectral analysis without having prior knowledge or training. Simply being observant and trying to figure out what is going on will get you far. Posting your spectral results to spectralworkbench.org will connect your efforts to a community of researchers who can help.

Setting up your notebook

Join this website to and use the "online logbook" for keeping track of your process under your username (for example, here's my my profile page, scroll down to see all my research notes).

Figuring out what you and your friends are interested in

Think about what environmental contaminants you're concerned about. For instance, lead, crude oil, PAH - polyaromatic hydrocarbons, e. coli bacteria, and many others. Ask your friends and colleagues what they are interested in.

Consider whether these contaminants are elements, molecules, biological, other? A rule of thumb is that the simpler the chemical structure, the simpler the spectrum. Biologicals change over time, so perhaps it's better to start with elements and molecules.

Getting ready with sample containers

Get ahold of a clean glass container, perhaps even order some cheap sterile glass containers from a science supply website to avoid soap residue from handwashed tupperware ;). A container with flat sides and bottom will make it easier to shine light through.

Collecting known reference samples

Think about where you could get a sample of these contaminants.

• If you are thinking about fertilizer runoff from nearby farms, consider going to a farm supply store and buying a small quantity of common fertilizer.
• If you are concerned that fuel from a local waterfront fuel depot spilling into your waterways, you could go to the depot and ask the staff for a small sample.
• If you suspect lead in your soil, go to the fishing section of a local store and buy a lead fishing weight.

Sample preparation

Setting up your work station

Connecting to the spectralworkbench community

Inspirational quote!

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla