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X-Ray Spectra
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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.
Colored Shadows
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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.
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.
Bubbularium: See the Colors in Bubbles
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With little more than a flashlight, a straw, and a plastic lid, make an observatory so you can see the amazing colors in bubbles.
The Old White Sheet Trick: Light and Insect Behavior
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In this outdoor, nighttime activity, learners gather around a brightly lit, white surface and study the behavior of nocturnal animals attracted to the light, particularly night fliers.
Changing Colors
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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?
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.
Tools of Magnification
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In this activity related to microbes, learners use water drops and hand lenses to begin the exploration of magnification. This activity also introduces learners to the microscope.
Wintergreen
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In this outdoor, winter activity, learners find living green plants under the snow and determine the light and temperature conditions around the plants.
Periscope
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In this optics activity, learners build a spy tool to secretly view things over walls or around corners.
Blue Sky
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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.
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.
Gelatin Prism
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In this activity, learners make prisms from gelatin. Learners then shine light through the prisms and discover what happens. This activity introduces learners to the idea of refraction.
Benham's Disk
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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.
Infrared Investigations
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In this activity, learners explore how infrared technology is used by engineers to create equipment and systems for a variety of industries.
Light Box
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Learn how to construct a light box by following simple figures and instructions. This guide includes tips on how to assemble a light box; related activities are featured in separate resources.
Reflecting on Diffraction
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With a laser pointer and some household items, learners can create their own laser light show. They can explore diffuse reflection, refraction and diffraction.
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.
Why is the Sky Purple?
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This simple hands-on activity demonstrates why the sky appears blue on a sunny day and red during sunrise and sunset.