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In this optics activity, learners create a ripple tank from household materials to study waves. Learners build the tank and then explore by making various types of waves. The ripple tank can be used to demonstrate two unusual light phenomena: interference and diffraction. This resource also has links to two articles with relevant background information about light, color, and interference.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 1 cent - $1 per student
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per student)
- Books (to act as props that elevate the tank)
- A 10" x 15" x 2" clear glass baking dish
- Water
- A white countertop or a piece of white paper
- A flashlight
- Aluminum foil
- A pencil
- An eyedropper or a straw
- A pencil, dowel, or other long, narrow cylindrical object that can get wet
- A ruler
Subjects
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
-
Human Senses and Perception
-
Physical Sciences
-
Vibration and Waves
- Wave Properties
- Wave Motion
- Diffraction and Interference
-
Vibration and Waves
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
-
The Scientific Process
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