Polarized Light

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this optics activity, learners experiment with polarizers (small dark rectangles) to examine light intensity. Learners rotate the polarizers and use them to examine the Sun, light through a flashlight, a laser pointer, and stretchable plastic. Learners can also make their own polarizers with 5 microscope slides and heavy-weight, dark-colored construction paper.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Two polarizers (small dark rectangles)
  • A prism
  • A flashlight
  • Laser pointer (optional)
  • Piece of paper (optional)
  • Stretchable piece of plastic
  • 5 or so microscope slides (optional)
  • Heavy-weight, dark-colored construction paper (optional)
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Tape (optional)
  • Glue (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Mathematics
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Lasers
      • Lenses and Mirrors
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • 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