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In this activity, learners explore liquid crystals, light and temperature. Using a postcard made of temperature-sensitive liquid crystal material, learners monitor temperature changes.

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.

In this activity, learners build a simple pinhole viewer. They use this apparatus to project images from a variety of light sources, including a candle, the Sun, and the Moon.

In this activity on page 13 of the PDF, learners use a laser pointer (with known wavelength of light) to measure the thickness of a human hair.

In this activity, learners explore liquid crystal thermometers to observe how heat flows by conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation.

In this activity (pages 32-41), learners learn how the atomic and molecular arrangement of matter are related to physical properties.

In this two-part activity, learners explore the properties of liquid crystals, which are responsible for why mood rings change color.

In this activity, learners model the flow of energy from the sun as it enters a photovoltaic cell, moves along a wire and powers a load.

In this activity, learners use clear nail polish to create a beautiful iridescent pattern on black paper. Learners discover that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.

In this activity (posted on March 20, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a stroboscope, a device that exploits the persistence of vision to make moving objects appear slow or stationary.

In this activity, learners mimic remote sensing. Learners use a stick to measure the distance to a "planet surface" they cannot see, and create their own map of the landscape.

In this activity, learners cut out and fold their own collapsible origami starshade, an invention that shields a telescope's camera lens from the light of a distant star so that NASA scientists can ex

In this activity (pages 42-49), learners discover the methods and challenges of building nanoscale structures with macroscale equipment.

In this activity, learners explore how polarizing sunglasses can help diminish road glare.

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

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer to project a microscopic image of a liquid sample suspended from the tip of a syringe.

In this activity on page 13 of the PDF, use a special plastic card that has been painted with a chemical that changes color when it is in UV light.

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.

This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners observe and shake containers of shiny liquids.

In this activity, learners make optical fibers out of strips of gelatin.