Search Results
Showing results 1 to 18 of 18
Bronx Cheer Bulb
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners observe what happens when they give a light source like a neon glow lamp a "Bronx Cheer." The lights appear to wiggle back and forth and flicker when learners blow air throu
Glue Stick Sunset
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore why the sky is blue. Learners model the scattering of light by the atmosphere, which creates the blue sky and red sunset, using a flashlight and clear glue sticks.
The Bent Pencil
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore how light bends and affects what we see.
Why Are Bubbles So Colorful?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore why they can see colors in bubbles and why they change.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Angles of Reflection
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners work in pairs to explore how mirrors work. Learners use tape to mark the angles needed to see each other's reflection in a wall mirror.
Make a Light Fountain
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners make a "light fountain" from a clear plastic bottle, flashlight, and other simple materials.
What Causes Rainbows?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how and why rainbows form by creating rainbows in a variety of ways using simple materials. Learners create rainbows indoors and outdoors.
Mirrorly a Window
Source Institutions
In this activity about light and reflection, learners discover that what you see is often affected by what you expect to see.
Transparent Gelatin
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore how they can make gelatin stop light, but not stop them from seeing fruit suspended within.
Diffraction Between Wax Blocks
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore diffraction by adding wax blocks to a ripple tank. The wedge-shaped blocks act as obstacles that the wave must bend around.
Bending Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners make a lens and explore how the eye manipulates the light that enters it.
Interference in a Ripple Tank
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners explore interference by adding wax blocks to a ripple tank.
Rainbow Film
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use clear nail polish to create a beautiful iridescent pattern on black paper. Learners discover that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.
Laser Jello
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use gelatin as a lens to investigate the properties of laser light.
Mix-N-Match Light
Source Institutions
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.
Colored Shadows
Source Institutions
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.
Total Internal Reflection
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use a laser pointer, empty soda bottle, rubber plug and water to demonstrate total internal reflection.
Why is the Sky Purple?
Source Institutions
This simple hands-on activity demonstrates why the sky appears blue on a sunny day and red during sunrise and sunset.