Structure of Matter: Pigment vs. Iridescence

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This is an activity (located on page 3 of the PDF under Butterfly Wings Activity) about how visible light is affected by tiny nanoscale structures, producing iridescence on butterfly wings, soap bubbles, etc. Learners will break into groups and gather observations at three stations (bubbles, feathers, colored candies) to learn more about iridescent color versus pigment. Also relates to linked video, DragonflyTV Nano: Butterfly Wings.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons glycerin
  • 4 tablespoons dishwashing soap
  • container for bubble solution
  • bubble hoop (or wire coat hanger)
  • black background
  • white piece of paper
  • bubble blowing tools (tea strainer, wands, pipe cleaners, etc.)
  • peacock feathers (from a craft store)
  • other bird feathers
  • water
  • dropper
  • multicolored M&M’s
  • shoebox
  • scissors
  • colored cellophane (from a party store) or large multicolored holiday lights

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Diffraction and Interference
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • DragonflyTV

Rights:

  • , Twin Cities Public Television, Inc., 2008

Funding Source:

  • National Science Foundation, 741749