Florida State University
Florida State University: Light and Color: Reflection of Light
An in-depth discussion on reflection of light can be found here. Among the topics discussed include are the difference between specular and diffuse reflection, concave and convex mirrors, facets, total internal reflection, and much more....
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Critical Angle
Students can see light reflected and refracted in this demonstration. They will also discover the total internal reflection of light.
Other
Gcse.com: Physics: Reflection
Informational site provides illustrated tutorial of light reflection. Also discusses the law of reflection.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Light & Sound, Light Reflection Relay
For this exploration, students will investigate how light reflects off smooth surfaces, learn about angles of reflection, and apply that knowledge in a relay experiment.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: The Law of Reflection
The law of reflection is discussed and explained, accompanied by an animation depicting this law. Includes a list of links to detailed information about certain types of reflections.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Reflection Race: Exploring Reflection of Light
An interesting and engaging activity where students work in groups with a laser pointer and small mirrors. They must use their knowledge of angles of reflection to bounce the laser beam from mirror to mirror until it hits a target at the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Srt Bank Shot
This task asks students to use similarity to solve a pool table problem. Students must use the fact from physics that when an object bounces off of a wall, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Aligns with G-SRT.B.5.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
A simple experiment that clearly demonstrates angles of reflection when light hits a mirror. Accompanied by a good explanation of what's happening, and a link to an article on reflection.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Reflection and Ray Model of Light: The Law of Reflection
Through an illustrated tutorial and some interactive practice problems, students learn about the law of reflection of light.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction and Ray Model of Light: The Critical Angle
Illustrated examples and interactive practice problems that introduce students to the concept of the critical angle, the angle of incidence that provides an angle of refraction of 90-degrees.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Light Absorption, Reflection, & Refraction
A video and a short quiz on the properties of light.
My Science Site
Reflection Experiments [Pdf]
Looking for some hands-on activities to use with your students to teach reflection? This resource offers a couple of experiments on the angle of reflection and light absorption. This resource is in PDF form; requires Adobe Reader.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Total Internal Reflection
This physics department site provides a definition and explanation of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Includes a diagram and an equation for calculating the critical angle for light approaching a surface.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Law of Reflection: Angle of Incidence
[Free Registration/Login Required] In the scenario shown here, the laser cannot shine through the black barrier but can hit all three targets by reflecting off of the floor. Use the red dot to change the angle of the laser generator and...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Total Internal Reflection
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students learn about total internal reflection. More specifically, they will learn what the critical angle is, how it is derived and how to solve for it in real life...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Reflection and Refraction
Reflection and refraction are explained with an experiment that uses a sheet of paper, cardboard, and other common materials.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Reflection and Ray Model of Light: Right Angle Mirrors
Discover how light reacts when it strikes mirrors which are placed at right angles to each other.
Other
Propagation of Light Using Geometry
A discussion of Christian Huygens' contribution to wave optics, and particularly to our understanding of the reflection and refraction of light. Excellent diagrams and a geometric proof on why the law of reflection is mathematically...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Behavior of Incident Light
This site from Georgia State University is an indexing page for several other pages on the topic of reflection. Topics are treated in an understandable manner and utilize meaningful graphics.
Other
University of Kansas: Quarked!: Catcher
A simple game of catch where the player must judge, from the angle a ball will hit a shape, where to position the catcher.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Traditional Copy an Angle: Compass Construction Using Cabri
Use Cabri Jr to copy an angle. The activity is followed by a student-to-student interview/reflection sheet intended to require students to think, talk, and write about why the construction worked. The reflection sheet could be adapted...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Wave Interactions: Law of Reflection
[Free Registration/Login Required] Move the light source to see what happens to the reflected ray as you change the angle of the incident ray.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Enlightening Explorations, Part Ii
This instructional activity engages students in learning about light. Studets will describe how light is produced, reflected, refracted, and separated.
University of South Florida
Fcat: Reflection: Teacher Notes
Students use the coordinate plane to investigate how reflections affect geometric shapes. Can be used by the student, but is also a great lesson plan idea for teachers.