Activity
Optical Society

Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Mirrors and Images

For Students 3rd - 5th
An experiment to investigate how many images appear as the angle between two hinged mirrors is increased. Accompanied by an explanation of what is happening, questions for students to consider, and a link to an article about reflection.
Whiteboard
ClassFlow

Class Flow: How We See Things

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
[Free Registration/Login Required] In this unit children learn that mirrors and shiny surfaces alter the direction in which light travels and that when they see objects light enters the eye. Children contrast reflection and shadow...
Handout
University of Maryland

Optics Highlights: The Telescope

For Students 9th - 10th
Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of the invention of the telescope. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Isaac Newton which focuses on his contribution...
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Water Sphere Lens

For Students 9th - 10th
Demonstrate for students how a round bowl of water can act as both a magnifier and a lens.
Activity
Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments: Finding the Shortest Path

For Teachers 9th - 10th
Students discover the shortest distance light travels from an object to the human eye, as the light from the object reflects off a single mirror. In the process they learn about reflection in a line, congruent angles, angle bisectors,...