Soap-Film Interference Model: Get on our wavelength!

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By making models of light waves with paper, learners can understand why different colors appear in bubbles. Since light has different sizes, you'll see why certain iridescent colors appear in clear, thin films.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Twenty-five 3 x 5 index cards “smaller cards” (approximately 76 x 127 millimeters; closest metric equivalent is A7)
  • Seventeen 5 x 7 index cards “larger cards” (approximately 127 x 178 millimeters; between A6 and A5 in metric)
  • Masking tape that is 1/2 in (1.25 cm) wide; the narrower the better
  • Transparent tape
  • Blue and red marker pens
  • Scissors
  • Pencil
  • Optional: String

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Mathematics
    • Representation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Diffraction and Interference
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Formulating Explanations

Other

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