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Showing results 1 to 15 of 15
CD Spectroscope
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In this activity, learners use an old CD to construct a spectroscope, a device that separates light into its component colors.
Morphing Butterfly
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In this activity, learners explore how nanosized structures can create brilliant color.
Magic Wand
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In this activity about light and perception, learners create pictures in thin air.
Critical Angle
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In this optics activity, learners examine how a transparent material such as glass or water can actually reflect light better than any mirror.
Make a Light Fountain
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In this optics activity, learners make a "light fountain" from a clear plastic bottle, flashlight, and other simple materials.
Eye Spy
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This fun activity uses simple materials such as milk cartons and mirrors to introduce the ideas of optics and visual perception.
Changing Colors
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Learners experiment with a commercially available liquid-crystal coaster. They warm the material with their hands for varying lengths of time and observe the changing colors that result.
Periscope
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In this activity, learners construct a device that allows them to look over ledges or around corners.
Guiding Light
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In this optics activity, learners use glass and water to demonstrate total internal reflection (TIR).
Give and Take
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In this activity, learners explore liquid crystals, light and temperature. Using a postcard made of temperature-sensitive liquid crystal material, learners monitor temperature changes.
Liquid Crystals Interact with Light!
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In this two-part activity, learners explore the properties of liquid crystals, which are responsible for why mood rings change color.
Polarized Sunglasses
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In this activity, learners explore how polarizing sunglasses can help diminish road glare.
Pearlescent Pigments
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This is written as a display, but can easily be adapted to a hands-on activity. Learners observe and shake containers of shiny liquids.
Gelatin Optic Fibers
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In this activity, learners make optical fibers out of strips of gelatin.
Reflective Solar Cooker
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In this activity, learners use the Sun's energy to cook marshmallows. Learners construct the solar oven out of simple everyday materials.