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CD Spectrometer
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In this activity, learners use a compact disc to make a spectrometer, an instrument used to measure properties of light.
Light and Dark
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Learners examine the properties of light by experimenting with an LED-flashlight and polarizing filters. When two polarizers are used, they block all light when they are placed at right angles.
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.
Rainbow Film
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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.
Stroboscope
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In this activity (posted on March 20, 2011), learners follow the steps to construct a stroboscope, a device that exploits the persistence of vision to make moving objects appear slow or stationary.
Light and Sound
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In this four-part activity, learners explore light and sound through a variety of hands-on investigations.
Pinhole Magnifier
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In this activity related to light and perception, learners use a pinhole in an index card as a magnifying glass to help their eye focus on a nearby object.
Why is the Sky Blue?
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In this activity, learners create a "mini sky" in a glass of water in a dark room.
Polarized Sunglasses
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In this activity, learners explore how polarizing sunglasses can help diminish road glare.
Make a Green Gumball Black
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In this optics activity, learners use a shoebox, colored cellophane and sunlight to "change" the colors of gumballs. Learners will be surprised when the green and blue gumballs appear black!
Bubble Suspension
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In this activity, learners observe as soap bubbles float on a cushion of carbon dioxide gas. Learners blow bubbles into an aquarium filled with a slab of dry ice.
Build an Overhead Projector Spectroscope
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This activity guide includes instructions for building a spectroscope using a standard classroom overhead projector.
Cardboard Opaque Projector
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In this activity, learners construct a projector out of cardboard to view their favorite images (such as storybook illustrations) on the wall.
Mix-N-Match Light
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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.
Cardboard Box Camera Obscura
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In this activity, learners construct a device that projects images onto a surface, so they can trace landscapes and other sights.
Oil Spot Photometer
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In this math activity related to light, learners assemble a photometer and use it to estimate the power output of the Sun.
Total Internal Reflection
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In this activity, learners use a laser pointer, empty soda bottle, rubber plug and water to demonstrate total internal reflection.
Periscope
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In this optics activity, learners build a spy tool to secretly view things over walls or around corners.
Sunblock Investigation
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In this "Sid the Science Kid" activity, learners set up a simple experiment to find out how sunscreen counteracts the effects of the sun.
Spinning Your (Color) Wheels
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In this optics activity, learners use everyday materials to make a color wheel. When learners spin the wheel like a top, they will be surprised to see all the colors mixing together to appear white.