Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 57
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-792.gif?itok=xa0pZbc8)
CD Spinner
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a simple “top” from a CD, marble and bottle cap, and use it as a spinning platform for a variety of illusion-generating patterns.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-732.jpg?itok=h4RiziWV)
Rotating Light
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore what happens when polarized white light passes through a sugar solution.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-726.jpg?itok=lQ7-5AVu)
Touch the Spring (Lightbulb)
Source Institutions
In this activity, a lightbulb is placed in front of a concave mirror. The actual lightbulb is not visible to the viewer, but the viewer can see the mirror image of the lightbulb formed in space.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-357.gif?itok=blHTfrM_)
Our Sense of Sight: Color Vision
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners investigate color vision as well as plan and conduct their own experiments.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-727.jpg?itok=tix7D3o9)
Spherical Reflections
Source Institutions
In this art meets science activity, learners pack silver, ball-shaped ornaments in a single layer in a box to create an array of spherical reflectors.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-446.jpg?itok=tNcvtVqR)
Blind Spot
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners conduct a simple test to find their blind spot.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-725.jpg?itok=9F__gqUq)
Water Sphere Lens
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and refraction, learners make a lens and magnifying glass by filling a bowl with water.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-731.jpg?itok=JGL3y5fp)
Seeing Your Retina
Source Institutions
In this quick optics activity, learners use a dim point of light (a disassembled Mini MagLite and dowel set-up) to cast a shadow of the blood supply in their retina onto the retina itself.
![](/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-000-000-002-350.gif?itok=Dl801N1I)
See It to Believe It: Visual Discrimination
Source Institutions
In this activity (12th on the page), learners investigate their ability to discriminate (see) different colors.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-351.jpg?itok=Yjqv9l8V)
Dark Adaptation
Source Institutions
In this activity (6th on the page), learners investigate how photoreceptors in the eye (rods and cones) "adapt" to low light conditions.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-345.gif?itok=xdFLwGmG)
Measuring Your Blind Spot
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners calculate the width (horizontal diameter) of the blind spot on their retina. Learners make a blind spot tester using a piece of notebook paper.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-344.gif?itok=lW3zoeqZ)
The Blind Spot
Source Institutions
In this activity (1st on the page), learners find their blind spot--the area on the retina without receptors that respond to light.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-261.jpg?itok=K8ieKQmZ)
Kaleidoscope
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build inexpensive kaleidoscopes using transparency paper and foil (instead of mirrors).
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-738.jpg?itok=2eFvh4qd)
Parabolas: It's All Done with Mirrors
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and reflection, learners use a special device called a Mirage Maker™ to create an illusion.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-670.gif?itok=7RdzPHct)
Diffraction
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, demonstrate diffraction using a candle or a small bright flashlight bulb and a slide made with two pencils.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-841.jpg?itok=gl8lBbgk)
Bird in the Cage
Source Institutions
In this activity about afterimages, learners explore what happens when receptor cells called cones in your eye's retina get tired.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-115.jpg?itok=TbgS2uc2)
Camera Projector
Source Institutions
In this activity (posted on March 14, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a camera projector to explore lenses and refraction.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-364.jpg?itok=L9_x6HyB)
Fading Dot
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners play with a fuzzy-colored dot that has no distinct edges seems to disappear. As learners stare at the dot, its color appears to blend with the colors surrounding it.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-513.jpg?itok=jeXuXg4C)
Experiencing Parallax With Your Thumb
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners investigate parallax, a method used to measure distances to stars and planets in the solar system.