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In this activity about light and perception, learners create and observe moire patterns. These special patterns, which appear when two repetitive patterns overlap, can also be used to help learners understand wave interference. Learners will use various objects including pocket combs, window screens, and transparencies to investigate moire patterns in different ways.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- 2 identical pocket combs, or a pocket comb and a mirror
- 2 pieces of window screen, or a window screen, a sheet of white cardboard, and a bright light
- Access to a copy machine
- 2 transparencies made from the pattern provided in this Snack
- (optional) Moire patterns are commercially available from the Exploratorium Store in the form of plastic bags decorated with repetitive patterns, in the book Seeing the Light (a shimmer pattern is on page 259), in The Moving Pattern Book, and in the Kaleidograph set
Subjects
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Life Sciences
-
Human Body
- The Brain and Nervous System
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Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
- Perception
-
Human Body
-
Mathematics
-
Algebra
- Patterns
-
Algebra
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Wave Properties
- Wave Motion
- Diffraction and Interference
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Light and Optics
- Lenses and Mirrors
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
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Vibration and Waves
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, The Exploratorium,
Funding Sources:
- National Science Foundation
- California Department of Education
- NEC Foundation of America