Search Results

This is an online exhibit about color perception. Learners set a random background color and then try to mix red, blue, and green light to match.

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.

In this activity, learners use gelatin as a lens to investigate the properties of laser light.

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.

In this optics activity, learners discover that not all shadows are black. Learners explore human color perception by using colored lights to make additive color mixtures.

In this trick, hold your hand over a burning candle without getting burned, by reflecting and transmitting the light of two candles. This activity is best suited as a demonstration.

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer, empty soda bottle, rubber plug and water to demonstrate total internal reflection.

In this optics activity, learners examine how polarized light can reveal stress patterns in clear plastic.

In this activity, learners sublimate dry ice and then taste the carbon dioxide gas.

In this activity (17th on the page), learners investigate why you cannot see colors in dim light.

Look at pictures through different color filters and you'll see them in a new way. People have used color filters in beautiful photography or sending secret messages.

Do you have a hard time matching paint swatches with your furniture? When you consider human perception, color is context dependent.

In this activity, learners control the (apparent) size of a hole with their brain.

Make a big canvas of iridescent color with pvc pipe! In this Exploratorium Science Snack, you'll need to cut and assemble some PVC pipe, but the pay-off, the soap-bubble canvas, is big.

In this optics activity, learners explore interference by adding wax blocks to a ripple tank.

In this activity (12th on the page), learners investigate their ability to discriminate (see) different colors.

In this optics activity, learners explore diffraction by adding wax blocks to a ripple tank. The wedge-shaped blocks act as obstacles that the wave must bend around.

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.

Learners mix a solution containing luminol and copper with a fake blood solution. A chemical reaction between the luminol solution and fake blood (hydrogen peroxide) show learners a blue glow.