Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 137

See the Light
Source Institutions
In this three-part activity, learners conduct simple experiments to see how light refracts and reflects, and how colors of light affect what we see.

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.
Polarized Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners experiment with polarizers (small dark rectangles) to examine light intensity.
Splitting White Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners split white light into all its component colors using three household items: a compact disc, dishwashing liquid, and a hose (outside).

The Old White Sheet Trick: Light and Insect Behavior
Source Institutions
In this outdoor, nighttime activity, learners gather around a brightly lit, white surface and study the behavior of nocturnal animals attracted to the light, particularly night fliers.

Why is the Sky Purple?
Source Institutions
This simple hands-on activity demonstrates why the sky appears blue on a sunny day and red during sunrise and sunset.

Mix-N-Match Light
Source Institutions
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.
Transparent Gelatin
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore how they can make gelatin stop light, but not stop them from seeing fruit suspended within.

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.

Spectroscope
Source Institutions
In this activity (posted on March 12, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a spectroscope, a tool used to analyze light and color.

Light and Sound
Source Institutions
In this four-part activity, learners explore light and sound through a variety of hands-on investigations.
The Bent Pencil
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore how light bends and affects what we see.

Colored Shadows Investigation
Source Institutions
This activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under GPS: Light and Color Activity) is a full inquiry investigation into mixing colors with light.

See the Light
Source Institutions
Learners mix a solution of luminol with hydrogen peroxide to produce a reaction that gives off blue light.

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

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.

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

Bending Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners make a lens and explore how the eye manipulates the light that enters it.

Bronx Cheer Bulb
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners observe what happens when they give a light source like a neon glow lamp a "Bronx Cheer." The lights appear to wiggle back and forth and flicker when learners blow air throu

Glue Stick Sunset
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore why the sky is blue. Learners model the scattering of light by the atmosphere, which creates the blue sky and red sunset, using a flashlight and clear glue sticks.