Young scientists study light reflection and refraction as they determine the critical angle, the rainbow angle, and color separation in rainbows. Teams record the data they collect in a shared spreadsheet and discuss results with the class.

Concepts

rainbows, prisms

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Display photos of rainbows and double rainbows in the classroom
• Challenge students to a rainbow photography contest
• Have class members create respective ROYGBIV posters highlighting individual colors

Classroom Considerations

• Requires prior knowledge of basic geometry and terms related to light
• Teams record their results in a class Google document
• Laser safety rules should be taught before allowing students to gather materials

Pros

• Discussion questions vary based on data gathered by students
• Vocabulary is included

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.6-8.3 RST.9-10.3 RST.11-12.3