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In this activity, learners make prisms from gelatin. Learners then shine light through the prisms and discover what happens. This activity introduces learners to the idea of refraction.

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

In this activity, learners create night lights using a plastic cup, programmable PICO Cricket, tri-color LED, and sensor.

In this optics activity, learners make a "light fountain" from a clear plastic bottle, flashlight, and other simple materials.

In this activity, learners explore the difference between compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and traditional incandescent bulbs.

In this activity, learners discover what happens when they crush wintergreen-flavored candies in a very dark room.

In this optics activity, learners use glass and water to demonstrate total internal reflection (TIR).

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 create a star show and discover how they can prevent light pollution. Using simple materials, learners first design constellation boxes.

This is a quick activity (on page 2 of the PDF under Stained Glass Activity) about the "Tyndall effect," the scattering of visible light when it hits very small dispersed particles.

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

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

In this activity about electricity, learners imagine that they are out in the wilderness and it is getting dark. Their task is to use the materials supplied to build a simple flashlight.

In this activity, learners explore chemiluminescence and fluorescence. Learners examine 3 different solutions in regular light, in the dark with added bleach solution, and under a black light.

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

In this activity about electricity, learners build and test a paper clip switch to turn on a light bulb.

In this activity, learners investigate how some butterfly wings get their color.

Working in groups, learners model the continuous destruction and creation of ozone (O3) molecules, which occur in the ozone layer.

Make a kite out of a garbage bag, shower curtain, painting tarp--anything light, thin, flexible and plastic!