LIGHT REFLECTS
MATERIALS:
two mirrors
two clothespins
a small button
State
Goal(s)/Objectives:
11.a.1a-Describe
an observed event.
Safety
Considerations:
Use
soft-edged mirrors to avoid cuts or scrapes.
Math
Connection:
Count
the clear duplicate images you can see.
Science
Process Skills:
observing,
communicating
PROCEDURE:
1. Stand the mirrors parallel to each other
with the reflecting surfaces facing one another.
2. Place a small object in between the two
parallel mirrors.
3. Look at one of the mirrors. What do you
see?
EXPLANATION:
Light reflects from an opaque object. When the reflected light reaches your eyes, you see that as an image.
In the case of the two parallel mirrors, the light reflects back and forth many times, and infinity of images is reproduced.
SOURCE:
Wong, Ovid K. Is Science Magic? Childrens Press; Chicago, 1989.
LIGHT REFRACTS
MATERIALS:
1.tall jar with lid 2. flashlight 3.newspaper
4.tape 5.basin
*note(lid should have one large hole near the edge and a smaller hole opposite
of it)
State Goal(s)/Objectives:
11.B.1c
Build the device using the materials and tools providED.
12.D.1a Identify examples of motion (e.g. moving in a straight line)
Safety Considerations:
Use
trays to avoid spills
Puncture lids ahead of time to avoid use of hammer
Science Process Skills:
observing, communicating, experimenting,
formulating models
PROCEDURE:
1. Fill the jar three-quarters full with water, screw lid on tight.
2. Wrap the jar and the flashlight in layers of newspaper. Use
tape to hold them around the jar and flashlight.
3. Darken the room. Tilt the jar and pour the water from the
jar into the basin. What do you see?
EXPLANATION:
In this activity, light
is being contained by the stream of water because it is reflected internally by the water. This is an exception to the fact
that light travels in a straight line.
SOURCE: Wong, Ovid K. Is Science Magic? Children’s Press;
Chicago, 1989.
LIGHT
IS MADE UP OF PRIMARY COLORS
MATERIALS
3 flashlights pieces
of red, blue and green cellophane
rubber bands white card
State/Goal(s)/Objectives: 12.C.2b
Science Process Skills: observing,
formulating models, experimenting
PROCEDURE:
1. Wrap cellophane over the bulb of the flashlight.
2. Darken the room and turn on the flashlights
3. Shine the red lights in the bucket (so they meet at the same point). What
happens?
EXPLANATION:
To the surprise of most, the students will see white light. White light is made
up of the primary colors.
SOURCE:
The Franklin Institute Online
http://sln.fi.edu/
