Search Results
Showing results 1 to 20 of 40
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-523.jpg?itok=MjvhqGru)
Exploring Materials: Nano Gold
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that nanoparticles of gold can appear red, orange or even blue. They learn that a material can act differently when it’s nanometer-sized.
![](/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-000-000-002-726.jpg?itok=lQ7-5AVu)
Touch the Spring (Lightbulb)
Source Institutions
In this activity, a lightbulb is placed in front of a concave mirror. The actual lightbulb is not visible to the viewer, but the viewer can see the mirror image of the lightbulb formed in space.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-668.jpg?itok=R-joBVdY)
The Electric Squeeze
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo about piezoelectricity, learners discover how some crystals produce electricity when squeezed.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-351.jpg?itok=Yjqv9l8V)
Dark Adaptation
Source Institutions
In this activity (6th on the page), learners investigate how photoreceptors in the eye (rods and cones) "adapt" to low light conditions.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-581.jpg?itok=VxkAzCkQ)
Vanishing Rods
Source Institutions
This is a quick activity/demonstration that introduces learners to the concept of index of refraction. Learners place stirring rods in a jar of water and notice they can see them clearly.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-738.jpg?itok=2eFvh4qd)
Parabolas: It's All Done with Mirrors
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and reflection, learners use a special device called a Mirage Maker™ to create an illusion.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-670.gif?itok=7RdzPHct)
Diffraction
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, demonstrate diffraction using a candle or a small bright flashlight bulb and a slide made with two pencils.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-808.jpg?itok=XE-2mOh6)
Glowing Pickle
Source Institutions
In this activity, high voltage is applied across a pickle to emit a yellow glow. This activity should only be conducted by skilled adults and is best suited as a demonstration.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-673.jpg?itok=u5IzswvR)
Convection Current
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make their own heat waves in an aquarium.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-072.jpg?itok=U5YZF-ko)
Coupled Resonant Pendulums
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discover that two pendulums suspended from a common support will swing back and forth in intriguing patterns, if the support allows the motion of one pendulum to influence t
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-167.png?itok=uEuoi3Pq)
Clap Sensor: Build a Sound Sensor Using a Pico Cricket
Source Institutions
This activity requires a Pico Cricket (tiny computer). Learners work on designing and building a sound sensor out of household materials, like plastic wrap and cardboard.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-601.png?itok=uJt8Z79u)
What does Color have to do with Cooling?
Source Institutions
In this demonstration/experiment, learners discover that different colors and materials (metals, fabrics, paints) radiate different amounts of energy and therefore, cool at different rates.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-265.jpg?itok=9yNESjfy)
Standing in the Shadow of Earth
Source Institutions
This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity demonstrates the shadow of the Earth as it rises as a dark blue shadow above the eastern horizon.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-271.jpg?itok=xtOTBhOm)
Glass and Mirrors: An Inside Look at Telescopes
Source Institutions
This hands-on astronomy activity allows you to create a “cutaway” telescope to clearly show how reflector and refractor telescopes work.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-760.jpg?itok=Wdp75uRe)
Disappearing Glass Rods
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners discover how they can make glass objects "disappear." Learners submerge glass objects like stirring rods into a beaker of Wesson™ oil to explore how the principles of
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-003-428.jpg?itok=8gKHpn5i)
Nanoparticle Stained Glass
Source Institutions
In this activity/demo, learners are introduced to the connection between medieval stained glass artisans and nanotechnology.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-761.jpg?itok=qM1S2KKj)
Bone Stress
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners examine how polarized light can reveal stress patterns in clear plastic.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-712.gif?itok=xAgmw_mZ)
Phantom Phlame
Source Institutions
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.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-764.jpg?itok=hzDsfBQs)
Anti-Gravity Mirror
Source Institutions
In this demonstration, amaze learners by performing simple tricks using mirrors. These tricks take advantage of how a mirror can reflect your right side so it appears to be your left side.