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Showing results 1 to 16 of 16
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CD Spectroscope
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use an old CD to construct a spectroscope, a device that separates light into its component colors.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-656.jpg?itok=YmnK7-EG)
Morphing Butterfly
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how nanosized structures can create brilliant color.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-428.jpg?itok=jH5eFhpM)
What is Nanotechnology?
Source Institutions
In this activity related to nanotechnology, learners observe some of the effects that result from creating a thin layer of material several nanometers thick.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-400.jpg?itok=SVpRqZWi)
Pinhole Viewer
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discuss and investigate how cameras, telescopes, and their own eyes use light in similar ways.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-740.gif?itok=JO0zRTlx)
Magic Wand
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and perception, learners create pictures in thin air.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-498.jpg?itok=XfwT9bP_)
Critical Angle
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners examine how a transparent material such as glass or water can actually reflect light better than any mirror.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-542.png?itok=6-1rLCgr)
Make a Light Fountain
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners make a "light fountain" from a clear plastic bottle, flashlight, and other simple materials.
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Changing Colors
Source Institutions
Learners experiment with a commercially available liquid-crystal coaster. They warm the material with their hands for varying lengths of time and observe the changing colors that result.
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Build Your Own Solar Oven
Source Institutions
Learners follow directions to construct a solar oven that really cooks! The solar oven uses aluminum foil to reflect sunlight into a cooking chamber, which is painted black.
Guiding Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners use glass and water to demonstrate total internal reflection (TIR).
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-747.gif?itok=V4erlJf9)
Give and Take
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore liquid crystals, light and temperature. Using a postcard made of temperature-sensitive liquid crystal material, learners monitor temperature changes.
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Liquid Crystals Interact with Light!
Source Institutions
In this two-part activity, learners explore the properties of liquid crystals, which are responsible for why mood rings change color.
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Polarized Sunglasses
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how polarizing sunglasses can help diminish road glare.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-429.gif?itok=Uik6_r1i)
Pearlescent Pigments
Source Institutions
This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners observe and shake containers of shiny liquids.
Gelatin Optic Fibers
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make optical fibers out of strips of gelatin.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-574.png?itok=odJb60j4)
Reflective Solar Cooker
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use the Sun's energy to cook marshmallows. Learners construct the solar oven out of simple everyday materials.