Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Geometric Optics
This interactive unit will help students to understand the basics of geometric optics. Learn what happens when light strikes the boundary between two media as well as the difference between a real and virtual image? Also explore the law...
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Optical Density and Light Speed
A tutorial page explaining how the speed of light is dependent upon the optical density of the material through which it moves. Optical density is related to the index of refraction; sample values are given.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Refraction of Light and Snell's Law
The meaning and cause of refraction--as well as Snell's law of refraction--are discussed. Includes an interactive problem-solving form in which visitors relate angles of refraction to the incident angle and the indices of refraction.
Georgia Department of Education
Ga Virtual Learning: Physical Science: Light and Optics
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.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Atmospheric Optics Concepts
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...
Other
Ntnu Virtual Physics Lab: Thick Lens Java Applet
An interactive Java applet which allows the user to investigate the path of light through a lens shape object. The shape of the object, the index of refraction of the material, and the location of the incident rays can be altered.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Lose a Glass in a Glass
This is an activity that should only be done outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, with adult supervision, as it involves paint thinner. It demonstrates the concept of the index of refraction for different materials, in this case that...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: What Does Light See?
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...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Tell Me the Odds (Of Cancer)
A seven-lesson unit where students learn the concepts of refraction and interference in order to solve this engineering challenge: In 2013, actress Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy, not because she had been diagnosed with...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Bubbles and Biosensors
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...
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Defines the refraction of light and provides an applet for investigating it.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Science, Optics & You: Willebrord Snell
Biography of Willebrord Snell (1580-1626), a Dutch mathematician known best for his work in refractive indices.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Lens Maker's Formula
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.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Show Me the Genes
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...
Other
The Disgustoscope
This is a resource to teach optics, while building a modified kaleidoscope that will provide 3-dimensional images.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Behavior of Incident Light
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.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mit: Open Course Ware: Courses: Physics: Electricity and Magnetism
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...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Dispersion
The phenomenon of light dispersion is explained with a formula and a practice form for calculating Abbe's number.
Other
All About vision.com: Eye Conditions and Diseases
Many articles with consumer information about lenses, eyewear, eye problems, and unique eye conditions. Vast content and many links to off-site information.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Total Internal Reflection
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.
Other
Weather Photography
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.