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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. If learners use a white light source, this activity also shows them how white light is actually made up of many colors. Adult supervision recommended.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - adult
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Knox Gelatin, 21-grams (3-packets)
- Glycerine, 5-mL
- Razor blade or suitable cutting implement
- Distilled water
- Sandwich plastic container or similar smooth-bottomed container
- Hot plate
- Light pen or laser pen
- Stirrers (popsicle sticks)
- Beaker, 250-mL
- Sandwich-sized zipper-type plastic bags
- 100 mL graduated cylinder
Subjects
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
-
Light and Optics
- Lenses and Mirrors
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Sunlight and Color
-
Vibration and Waves
Informal Categories
- Food and Cooking
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- Goates, Wayne
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Polymer Science Learning Foundation, 2003