Bent Toward Science: Refraction

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This is an activity about the behavior of light. Using simple, everyday objects, learners will discover that light moves in straight lines until acted upon by another object. Light moves so fast, sometimes our eyes can only see light move when a change in observed. In the second part of the activity, learners explore how this concept relates to something more tangible: a toy car.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Short, opaque cup
  • Coin
  • Water
  • Battery-powered toy car or any toy with wheels

Keywords

Subjects

  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
    • States of Matter
    • Structure and Properties of Matter

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, COSI Columbus, 2009