In this article, we present an overview of a suite of light and spectroscopy education materials developed as part of Project LITE (Light Inquiry Through Experiments). We also present an analysis of how introductory college astronomy students using these Project LITE materials performed on the Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory (LSCI) compared with students in courses employing other proven active engagement techniques and traditional lecture-based instruction. (Contains 1 table and 4 figures.)