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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.

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 (posted on March 12, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a spectroscope, a tool used to analyze light and color.

Learners mix a solution of luminol with hydrogen peroxide to produce a reaction that gives off blue light.

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

Learners experiment with a commercial photo-sensitive paper (Sunprint® or NaturePrint® paper). They place opaque and clear objects on the paper and expose it to bright light, observing the results.

In this activity, learners use an old CD to construct a spectroscope, a device that separates light into its component colors.

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.

In this activity, learners explore what happens when polarized white light passes through a sugar solution.

In this activity, learners set up a night time insect observation station with a light and sheet.

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

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 activity, learners make a photographic image—without a camera!

In this activity, learners trap a thin layer of air between two pieces of Plexiglas to produce rainbow-colored interference patterns.

In this activity, learners explore how nanosized structures can create brilliant color.

In this activity, learners make their own heat waves in an aquarium.

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.

This is an activity (located on page 131 of the PDF) related to sleep and circadian rhythms as well as space travel.

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.