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Showing results 41 to 57 of 57
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-000-000-003-040.gif?itok=8JzDA-1F)
Slide Projector Activities
Source Institutions
This resource contains several mini-explorations using a slide projector as a light source to investigate light and the properties of images.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-151.jpg?itok=ht5vsHQo)
It's all Done with Mirrors
Source Institutions
This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity illustrates the path of light as it reflects off of mirrors and how this is used in telescopes.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-737.gif?itok=-ihywTm9)
Moiré Patterns
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and perception, learners create and observe moire patterns.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-838.png?itok=UjNkfOMo)
Light is Made of Colors
Source Institutions
Learners observe different light sources, outdoors and indoors, using prism glasses (diffraction glasses) and color filters.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-680.png?itok=Nrdnv5Mq)
Color Vision
Source Institutions
In this online activity, learners make a whole rainbow by mixing red, green, and blue light. They can change the wavelength of a monochromatic beam or they can filter white light.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-545.jpg?itok=I4azBIJL)
Bending Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners make a lens and explore how the eye manipulates the light that enters it.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-695.jpg?itok=qsYuCBmm)
Bring it into Focus
Source Institutions
In this activity (page 2 of PDF), learners play with a lens and a piece of paper to focus an image on the paper. Learners look at different things, and see how the lenses affect the image.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-736.jpg?itok=uvfOfqef)
Polarized Light Mosaic
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use transparent tape and polarizing material to create and project beautifully colored patterns reminiscent of abstract or geometric stained glass windows--no glass required
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-346.jpg?itok=m7HqL0WC)
Accommodating Accommodation
Source Institutions
In this demonstration (18th on the page), learners conduct a simple test to explore how the cornea refracts light, which is further bent by the eye lens through a process known as accommodation.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-669.jpg?itok=3PAuiOaN)
Your Father's Nose
Source Institutions
In this fun optics activity, learners explore principles of light, reflection (mirrors), and perception. Learners work in pairs and sit on opposite sides of a "two-way" mirror.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-734.jpg?itok=7a0MmmPt)
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-000-000-001-768.jpg?itok=ln-4ylx0)
Writing for Night Vision
Source Institutions
In this activity (page 1 of the PDF under SciGirls Activity: Forensics), learners will use a home video camera with a “night vision” mode to test how various inks appear outside the spectrum of visibl
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-742.jpg?itok=VN50_kyS)
Laser Jello
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use gelatin as a lens to investigate the properties of laser light.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-529.jpg?itok=yeeFMBlZ)
Shimmering Lenses
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use Jell-O to explore lenses. Learners cut Jell-O into convex and concave lens shapes and examine how light exits each lens in a darkened room.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-527.gif?itok=-blgvWyx)
Tools of Magnification
Source Institutions
In this activity related to microbes, learners use water drops and hand lenses to begin the exploration of magnification. This activity also introduces learners to the microscope.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-294.png?itok=juOgmbpU)
Periscope
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners build a spy tool to secretly view things over walls or around corners.