Search Results
Showing results 1 to 11 of 11
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-792.gif?itok=xa0pZbc8)
CD Spinner
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners create a simple “top” from a CD, marble and bottle cap, and use it as a spinning platform for a variety of illusion-generating patterns.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-732.jpg?itok=h4RiziWV)
Rotating Light
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore what happens when polarized white light passes through a sugar solution.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-725.jpg?itok=9F__gqUq)
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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-731.jpg?itok=JGL3y5fp)
Seeing Your Retina
Source Institutions
In this quick optics activity, learners use a dim point of light (a disassembled Mini MagLite and dowel set-up) to cast a shadow of the blood supply in their retina onto the retina itself.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-841.jpg?itok=gl8lBbgk)
Bird in the Cage
Source Institutions
In this activity about afterimages, learners explore what happens when receptor cells called cones in your eye's retina get tired.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-364.jpg?itok=L9_x6HyB)
Fading Dot
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners play with a fuzzy-colored dot that has no distinct edges seems to disappear. As learners stare at the dot, its color appears to blend with the colors surrounding it.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-711.gif?itok=x43RDsEk)
Personal Pinhole Theater
Source Institutions
Have you ever heard of a camera without a lens? In this activity, learners create a pinhole camera out of simple materials. They'll see the world in a whole new way: upside down and backwards!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-737.gif?itok=-ihywTm9)
Moiré Patterns
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and perception, learners create and observe moire patterns.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-712.jpg?itok=L9ZtuIUH)
X-Ray Spectra
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use simple materials to simulate the effect of X-rays in a safe way. Learners place a piece of window screen over a box and a cardboard pattern on top of the screen.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-762.jpg?itok=d_AtRvWj)
Blue Sky
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore why the sky is blue and the sunset is red, using a simple setup comprising a transparent plastic box, water, and powdered milk.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-763.jpg?itok=bqzFEdLO)
Benham's Disk
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners discover that when they rotate a special black and white pattern called a Benham's Disk, it produces the illusion of colored rings.