Lesson Plan
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: What Does Light See?

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students are introduced to the concept of refraction. After making sure they understand the concepts of diffraction and interference, students work collaboratively to explain optical phenomena that cannot be accounted for via these two...
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Bubbles and Biosensors

For Teachers 10th - 12th
Students learn that color swirls on the bubble surfaces are caused by refraction. Then they apply this theory to thin films in general, including porous films used in biosensors, listing factors that could change the color that become...
Unit Plan
Georgia Department of Education

Ga Virtual Learning: Physical Science: Light and Optics

For Students 9th - 10th
Students will investigate the properties of light waves. They will learn about the different types of electromagnetic waves and mechanical waves, and investigate the phenomena of reflection, refraction, interference, and diffraction.
Interactive
Walter Fendt

Walter Fendt: Reflection and Refraction of Light

For Students 9th - 10th
Defines the refraction of light and provides an applet for investigating it.
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Atmospheric Optics Concepts

For Students 9th - 10th
This physics department site features an indexing page for a variety of pages pertaining to atmospheric optics. Topics include rainbows, halos, auroras, mirages, star twinkling, sunsets, green flashes, coronas, and more. Excellent...
Interactive
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Lens Maker's Formula

For Students 9th - 10th
A discussion of the lens-maker's formula and its use in determining the effect of lens shape and index of refraction upon the magnifying power of a lens. Includes an interactive problem-solving section.
Activity
Optical Society

Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Total Internal Reflection

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Handout
Florida State University

Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Willebrord Snell

For Students 9th - 10th
Biography of Willebrord Snell (1580-1626), a Dutch mathematician known best for his work in refractive indices.
Activity
TeachEngineering

Teach Engineering: Show Me the Genes

For Teachers 10th - 12th
In this activity, students create posters which explain and illustrate thin film refraction and the factors that influence it. The goal is to explain the experimental results of using an optical biosensor, and prove these results with a...
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Dispersion

For Students 9th - 10th
The phenomenon of light dispersion is explained with a formula and a practice form for calculating Abbe's number.
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Behavior of Incident Light

For Students 9th - 10th
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.
Unit Plan
Other

The Disgustoscope

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a resource to teach optics, while building a modified kaleidoscope that will provide 3-dimensional images.
Online Course
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Mit: Open Course Ware: Courses: Physics: Electricity and Magnetism

For Students 9th - 10th
College-level physics course highlighting electromagnetism. This course also includes a wide variety of other physics topics including lightning, electrocardiograms, metal detectors, and atom smashers, to name a few. Course includes a...
Website
Other

Weather Photography

For Students 9th - 10th
Source of information on the subject of weather photography. There are great links, images and tips on equipment to use. For the intermediate to advanced photographer.
Website
Other

All About vision.com: Eye Conditions and Diseases

For Students 9th - 10th
Many articles with consumer information about lenses, eyewear, eye problems, and unique eye conditions. Vast content and many links to off-site information.