Curated OER
The Space Cadet's Laboratory: Using Electromagnetic Energy to Study Astronomy
Students build their own spectrophotometer to study light. In this physics lesson, students explain the dual nature of light. They calculate the angle of incidence and refraction using Snell's law equation.
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
An Awareness of Light Made Simply Fun
Learners with sensory perception issues discover the properties of light through a series of excellent hands on activities. They look at beams of lights in a darkened room; use a kaleidoscope and optical illusions as they experience the...
Curated OER
Plane Mirrors
Students investigate the law of reflection by using mirrors. In this physics lesson, students operate a robot using IR controllers. They explain the path of light as it reflects through a surface.
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...
EngageNY
Complex Numbers and Transformations
Your learners combine their knowledge of real and imaginary numbers and matrices in an activity containing thirty lessons, two assessments (mid-module and end module), and their corresponding rubrics. Centered on complex numbers and...
Curated OER
Multiple Images Activity
In this images worksheet, students use different sized mirrors to determine how many angles and images are reflected. Students complete 5 sets of directions.
Curated OER
Making a Periscope
Students experiment with a simple periscope to see how it reflects light. They draw a diagram of the path a ray of light follows as it travels from an object, through the periscope, and into your eye.
Curated OER
The Connection Between Pigment and Light Colors
Pupils learn the procedure for mixing secondary colors from primary pigments and observe the results of mixing two primary colors.
Curated OER
Using Vegetation, Precipitation, and Surface Temperature to Study Climate Zones
Using NASA's Live Access Server, earth scientists compare the temperature, precipitation, and normalized difference vegetation index for four different locations. They use the data to identify the climate zone of each location using...
Curated OER
Investigation of Polarized Light
Students investigate how polorizers filter light. In this physics lesson, students record their data and plot their results using a computer logging software. They discuss practical applications of polarization.
Curated OER
Mirror Writing
In this mirror writing learning exercise, students follow the directions to decide which alphabet letters are symmetrical. Students use a mirror and a white light as they work in partners to trace simple shapes.
Curated OER
Why Is It Hotter At the Equator?
Students investigate the different heating effects of sunlight. They conduct an experiment that demonstrates the way sunlight strikes the equator, the poles and other parts of the globe.
Curated OER
Making a Periscope
In this designing a periscope worksheet, students follow the directions to collect materials and make a periscope. Students answer 5 questions.
Curated OER
Enlightening Explorations, Part II
Sixth graders review their results from the previous experiments. After viewing a kaleidoscope, they make their own pattern on paper and describe the role of light. To end the lesson, they examine light being relfected and refracted and...
Curated OER
Rainbow Science
In this reading comprehension worksheet, students read five paragraphs about the science of rainbows. Students then answer several questions about the reading.
Curated OER
Making a Pinhole Camera #1
Pupils make a pinhole camera and see the effects of light travelling in straight lines have on images.
Curated OER
Making a Pinhole Camera #2
Students make a pinhole camera and see the effects that light travelling in straight lines have on images.
Curated OER
Moon Phases
Learners engage in a study looking for the differences found during the cycle of one lunar month. They conduct research using a variety of resources. Then the information is used to construct a lunar calendar to observe daily changes and...
Curated OER
Mineral Madness Crossword
In this earth science activity, students find the missing vocabulary words related to the minerals of the earth found in the crust layers.
Curated OER
Enlightening Explorations, Part III
Sixth graders continue their examination of light. In groups, they make rainbows and examine the spectrum of visible light. They travel between various stations recording their observations about the behaviors of light. To end the...
Curated OER
What Shape Is It?
Students predict the shape of an unknown object by bouncing a ball on it. For this physics lesson, students relate this activity to how dolphins use echo-location to navigate. They analyze their lab result and discuss findings.
Curated OER
The Reason for the Seasons; Science, Geography
Students think about what causes the seasons to change, reflect on what they know about seasons and how their lives affected by seasonal changes.
Curated OER
Tessellating Tiles
Second graders Make, name and describe, using their own language and the language of geometry, everyday shapes and objects. They create and talk about geometric patterns which repeat (show translation), or which have rotational or...