Curated OER
I'm So Bright, I Wear My Shades Indoors
Middle schoolers observe and draw energy using UV beads. They describe how light can be produced, reflected, refracted, and separated into visible light of various colors.
Teach Engineering
Electromagnetic Radiation
How can nanoparticles be used in the battle against skin cancer. Class members take on the question as they gather information about electromagnetic radiation, specifically ultraviolet radiation. Pupils learn about the mathematical...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function of...
Curated OER
Optics - The Study of Light
In this optics instructional activity, learners read about how light can reflect or refract and how lenses and mirrors work. Then students complete 13 matching, 27 fill in the blank, and 8 word problems.
Curated OER
Color Kaleidoscopes
Students construct kaleidoscopes to demonstrate how an image is multiplied by angled mirrors before light rays reach their eyes. They follow step-by-step directions to create a kaleidoscope, and draw illustrations of the repeating...
Curated OER
Reflection of Light
Learners experiment with reflections of two plane mirrors placed at a 90 degree angle to see what will be reflected.
Curated OER
Geometrical Optics: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Students define and discus the concepts of wave fronts and rays. In groups, they distinguish between specular and diffuse reflections and use Snell's Law to predict the path of light rays. They calculate the speed of light through...
Curated OER
Light My Fire!
Students draw a diagram that shows the law of reflection. In this physics lesson plan, students investigate the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of reflection. They explain how light travels as it reflects on a surface.
Curated OER
Reflection Experiments
Seventh graders investigate with light rays. In this light lesson, 7th graders determine the angle of reflection using simple materials. They continue the investigation by exploring the theory that light which is not reflected or...
It's About Time
Curved Mirrors
Discover concave and convex mirrors using a laser light. Scholars experiment with real and virtual images before reading a handout and completing homework questions. Included extensions greatly benefit learners, so take advantage of the...
Curated OER
Reflection and Refraction
What is a prism? A place for light waves that commit minor refractions! The thorough resource includes three hands-on investigations covering light reflection and refraction; mirrors, lenses, and images; and optical systems. Subject...
Curated OER
Physical Optics: The Wave Nature of Light
Students are introduced to the wave nature of light. In groups, they discuss Young's experiment and how diffraction and interference demonstrate the wave nature of light. Using examples, they show constructive and destructive...
Curated OER
The Geometry of Real Images
For this math worksheet, students read the examples for using the techniques of mathematical modeling. They draw the angles in order to simulate the reflection of light while using a concave mirror.
Physics LAB
Spherical Mirrors
In this mirrors worksheet, students identify the equation that describes the relationship between the mirror's focal length and its radius. Students compare images reflected through concave mirrors and different distances. This worksheet...
Curated OER
Jell-O Optics
Students observe an activity with Jell-O to learn about optics. In this investigative lesson students fill out a handout on the activity that helps them to investigate the index of refraction and the speed of light.
Curated OER
Mirror, Mirror
Students investigate the Law of Reflection and how light travels. In this reflection instructional activity students produce data from their experiment then create a pencil tracing.
Curated OER
Orienting a Photovoltaic Cell
Learners explore the optimum angle for orienting a solar collector relative to the rays of incoming sunlight. They review equinoxes, solstices, and various locational ideas before students investigate using meters, light sources, and...
Jefferson Lab
Optics: Mirrors and Lenses
Did you see that or did I imagine it? Optical illusions are often created with mirrors and lenses, and here is a presentation that covers many different types of mirrors and lenses and how they work. Flat, concave, and convex mirrors, as...
Cornell University
Resolution—Not Just for the New Year
Experiment with optical resolution using an inquiry-based lesson. Young researchers calculate fellow classmates' optical resolutions. They apply the information to understand the inner workings of optical instruments.
Curated OER
Focusing on Lenses
Young scholars explore scientific observations by examining the parts of a microscope. In this optics lesson plan, students discuss the importance of a focal point and focal distance when utilizing an optical device such as a microscope....
Curated OER
Breaking News English: Cancer
In this cancer worksheet, students read the article, answer true and false questions, complete synonym matching, complete phrase matching, complete a gap fill, answer short answer questions, answer discussion questions, write, and more...