University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Bending Light
Explore bending of light between two media with different indices of refraction. See how changing from air to water to glass changes the bending angle. Play with prisms of different shapes and make rainbows.
Boston University
Bu: Optics: Geometric Optics
Several short descriptions of demonstrations which illustrate principles of geometric optics (many of which focus upon refraction).
Curated OER
Refraction of Light
The meaning and cause of refraction--as well as Snell's law of refraction--are discussed. Includes an interactive problem-solving form in which visitors relate angles of refraction to the incident angle and the indices of refraction.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Crossed Polarizers
At this univeristy physics department site, the polarization of light is explained and illustrated. Methods for analyzing light to determine the degree of polarization are stated and explained with equations.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Polarization by Absorption
The operation of Polaroid filters on a pair of sunglasses is shown.
University of St. Andrews (UK)
University of St. Andrews: Willebrord Snell
A fairly short biographical sketch of Willebrord Snell (1591-1626 CE). Discusses his upbringing, education and professional life.
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.
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Why Do Scientists Think That Light and Sound Are Waves?
Light travels as transverse waves and can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels as longitudinal waves and needs to travel through a solid, liquid or gas. Read about the properties of light and of sound, and learn the differences between...
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Color: Light in a Prism
[Free Registration/Login Required] Explore how light is refracted when visible light enters, passes through, and exits the prism by moving the red dot to adjust the angle of white light shining on the prism.
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Light
In this activity, students actually find the angles of reflection and incidence.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Asbestos Hazard Assessment
This interactive site introduces students to concepts related to asbestos and how geologists analyze asbestos in building materials. The site is divided into three components: the geology of asbestos, identifying asbestos in the lab, and...
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Total Internal Reflection
An investigation into the total internal reflection of light, using a laser pointer. Accompanied by an explanation of what's happening, a discussion of Snell's Law, and links to additional information.