Seeing Your Retina

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In this quick optics activity, learners use a dim point of light (a disassembled Mini MagLite and dowel set-up) to cast a shadow of the blood supply in their retina onto the retina itself. This allows learners to see the blood supply of their retina and even their blind spot. Learners are encouraged to wear eye protection.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per student
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • A Mini MagLite
  • 3/8 inch dowel, cut to the length of a AA battery
  • Aluminum foil
  • A room which you can darken
  • A sheet of black construction paper
  • Eye protection
  • Eye

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
      • Circulation
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Doherty, Paul

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation
  • California Department of Education
  • NEC Foundation of America