Periscope

Source Institutions

WGBH

Periscope

In this optics activity, learners build a spy tool to secretly view things over walls or around corners. Learners discover that the mirrors inside the periscope reflect light to help you see what's hidden behind a corner.

Preparation Time:: Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:: 10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:: $5 - $10 per student
Age Range:: Ages 6 - 11
Resource Type:: Activity
Language:: English, Spanish

Materials List (per student)

a friend
a mirror
1 empty milk or juice carton, rinsed and dried
2 small mirrors taped to pieces of cardboard
scissors
duct tape

Keywords

Subjects

Life Sciences
- Human Body
  - The Brain and Nervous System
- Human Senses and Perception
  - Vision
Mathematics
- Geometry
Physical Sciences
- Light and Optics
  - Lenses and Mirrors
  - Reflection and Refraction
The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
  - Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

Crime Science
Toys

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:

Web version

This resource is part of:

Zoom Activities Pages

Access Rights:

Free access

By:

WGBH Boston

Rights:

All Rights Reserved, WGBH Educational Foundation, ©2003

Funding Sources:

National Science Foundation, 0229796
Corporation for Public Broadcasting
PBS
The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations