Optical Society of America

In this optics activity, learners discover basic lens-making techniques by using a tennis ball to make a lens out of ice.

In this optics activity, learners explore how many objects they can see in a set of mirrors (hinged like a book) at various angles.

In this optics activity, learners use a shoebox, colored cellophane and sunlight to "change" the colors of gumballs. Learners will be surprised when the green and blue gumballs appear black!

In this optics activity, learners explore interference by adding wax blocks to a ripple tank.

In this optics activity, learners make a simple telescope using two lenses and a cardboard tube. Learners construct the telescope and then calculate its magnification.

In this optics activity, learners use paint thinner to make a small jar seem to disappear inside a larger jar.

In this optics activity, learners explore how light bends and affects what we see.

In this optics activity, learners explore color by examining color dots through colored water and the light of a flashlight.

In this optics activity, learners experiment with polarizers (small dark rectangles) to examine light intensity.

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.