The Bent Pencil


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In this optics activity, learners explore how light bends and affects what we see. Learners will examine and diagram a pencil that appears bent in a glass of water as well as oil that is sucked up by an eyedropper. An article about the refraction of light is linked to this resource.

Quick Guide


Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes

Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes

Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student

Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14

Resource Type:
Activity

Language:
English

Materials List (per student)


  • A glass of water
  • A pencil
  • A glass eye dropper or glass stirring rod
  • Wesson oil (regular, not lite)

Subjects


  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Formulating Explanations

Audience


To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other


Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Optical Society of America, 2008