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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.

In this simple activity, learners investigate refraction by placing a picture of an arrow behind a glass of water.

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

In this activity, learners will make their own prism and use a glass of water to separate sunlight into different colors.

In this activity, learners create a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water. Learners discover that a thin film creates iridescent, rainbow colors.

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.

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.

In this activity about light and reflection, learners discover that what you see is often affected by what you expect to see.

In this activity about light and reflection, learners use a special device called a Mirage Maker™ to create an illusion.

This fun and simple hands-on astronomy activity illustrates the path of light as it reflects off of mirrors and how this is used in telescopes.

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.

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.

In this activity, learners use a laser pointer, empty soda bottle, rubber plug and water to demonstrate total internal reflection.

In this optics activity, learners make a lens and explore how the eye manipulates the light that enters it.

In this activity (page 2 of PDF), learners play with a lens and a piece of paper to focus an image on the paper. Learners look at different things, and see how the lenses affect the image.

In this activity, learners will explore how different colors of lights interact with objects around them. Will a blue object stay blue with a red filter?

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.

With little more than a flashlight, a straw, and a plastic lid, make an observatory so you can see the amazing colors in bubbles.

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 optics activity, learners explore how they can make gelatin stop light, but not stop them from seeing fruit suspended within.