Michigan Technological University
Giant Mirrors
Did you know some retailers use curved mirrors in their fitting rooms to make customers look thinner? Pupils view themselves in convex and concave mirrors to understand the difference. The resource includes big ideas for multiple age...
Curated OER
Microscope-Convex Mirrors
Eighth graders are able to understand how convex mirrors are used in a microscope. They are able to identify the focus and focal length of a curved mirror and observe virtual images in a convex mirror.
Science 4 Inquiry
Trick or Science: Catching the Light
Your class might be surprised to learn that mirrors have been around since the first century AD! Young scientists explore reflection and refraction of light through a series of challenges. They use this knowledge to design their own...
Curated OER
Spherical Mirrors
Students view images in a spherical mirror and interpret the path of light. In this physics lesson, students view a large spherical mirror demonstrated by the instructor. They use shiny serving spoons to investigate the path of...
Cornell University
Beam Focusing Using Lenses
Explore optics using an inquiry-based experimental approach! Young scholars use a set of materials to design and build a unit capable of focusing a beam of light. They experiment with different lenses to determine the best approach to...
Curated OER
Light and Optics
Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.
Cornell University
Building a Compound Light Microscope
What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length...
Curated OER
REFLECTIONS OF SCIENCE
Students discover the different types of mirrors, their properties and some of their applications. They have already been introduced to some of the properties of light and have already experienced some of the different types of mirrors...
Curated OER
Extreme Flashlight Tag
Fifth graders view a Powerpoint show about reflecting light. They experiment through a reflection simulation on the internet. Students complete the activity by using mirrors and light to complete send light to a specified spot.
Curated OER
Intelligence Preference
Eighth graders describe how light behaves when it strikes a surface. In this physics lesson plan, 8th graders investigate how the different types of mirrors reflect light. They work with their chosen group on a task they selected.
Curated OER
Light Gathering Power
Students compare and calculate the light gathering power of lenses. They determine the ability of various lenses and mirrors to gather light.
Curated OER
Applied Science - Technology (5A) Lab
Fifth graders explore electromagnetic waves and light. In this light lesson, 5th graders draw the parts of a wave of the electromagnetic spectrum. They compare a flashlight to a laser to see how the light looks when shined through...
Curated OER
Applied Science - Physics (5B) Post Lab
Fifth graders analyze optical images. in this optical lesson, 5th graders look at how light reflects and refracts. They discuss different types of lenses and how they change the picture that is taken.
Curated OER
Exploration of Light
Fifth graders observe the video, Exploring Light and Color. They access a website to create their own light show. They conduct lab experiments to investigate refraction, reflection,and other light-related topics.
Curated OER
Microscopes and Telescopes
Students analyze a microscope and study what they do. In this investigative instructional activity students study how microscopes were first invented, and how ray diagrams are used in conjunction.
Curated OER
To See or Not to See: The Colors of Light
Seventh graders describe and conduct an experiment that identifies the physical properties of light. They explore sources of visible light and an electromagnetic spectrum. Students explain the conversion of one form of energy to another.
Curated OER
Pinhole Viewer
Students make a pinhole viewer to demonstrate how it inverts light passing through it which produces inverted images.
Curated OER
How Light Moves
Students study the movement of light. In this light lesson, students work in groups to participate in a light and shadow walk around their neighborhood. Students brainstorm rules for light movement and watch videos about light travel,...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Plane, Concave, Convex Mirrors (Intermediate)
This lesson plan describes a demonstration with mirrors to catch the interest of learners. Should be used with intermediate or middle school students.