Why can we see our reflection in a window but not a brick wall? Young physicists learn the Law of Reflection and various light properties that help them answer this and other questions about reflection. Use the PowerPoint to introduce...

Add a ray of light to the class as young scientists learn important foundational concepts. Assist pupils with focal lengths as they study ray diagrams. Pupils review images and compare them to mirrored images before solving problems on...

Third graders experiment with coins and water to explore light rays.  In this light and water lesson, 3rd graders work in pairs to observe what happens with a coin in water or how it appears based on the density of the water....

There's more to light than ROYGBIV! An enlightening laboratory investigation has learners explore the world of infrared light. When they use goggles that take away visible light, they experience how things look with only infrared light.

Physics lab groups finagle with laser lights to determine the critical angle of refraction for both water and Lucite. Because there are no detailed steps or an answer key for this enlightening exercise, an inexperienced physics...

Pupils examine how light waves travel. In this properties of light activity, students observe how light travels in water, how light is reflected and refracted, and how light is pure energy.

Your older elementary students investigate electromagnetic energy and the electromagnetic spectrum. They will observe 7 items represented in the electromagnetic spectrum and make a poster of all the things the items have in common. After...

Learners explore why the sky is blue. For this light lesson, students conduct an experiment using water, flashlights, and milk to test why the sky is blue. Learners view a PowerPoint, take notes on their results and draw conclusions.

Does the angle of a solar panel change the output? Emerging engineers find out! Demonstrate for your class how they can angle a straw to match the angle of light rays coming from a source. Then turn them loose to experiment with the...

Students identify and define that invisible UV rays can be harmful. Then they explore the effects of UV radiation on objects that react UV rays and what products are most effective in blocking UV rays. Students also make predictions...

This link takes you to a comprehensive unit that delves into emission spectra and supernovas. There are four parts: How and where elements are created, electromagnetic radiation, spectroscopy, and the newest technology for studying our...

Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function...

Students explore the concepts of light waves and sound waves. In this physics lesson, students complete activities that require them to investigate how light and sound waves travel.

What better way to learn how to use a microscope than building your own? A lab investigation has scholars use lenses from magnifying glasses and sheets of cork to design their own compound microscopes. They calculate focal length...

Learners investigate the Electromagnetic Spectrum and realize there is energy beyond visible light. They identify parts of the EM Spectrum.

Students investigate the concept of a shadow. They design a tool to create shadows for an experiment. They make observations and record the size and shape of shadows. The lesson contains background information for the teacher to deliver...

Students explore how light affects vision. In this light lesson, students construct a shoe box model to represent an eye. Experiments are performed with various light sources. Students draw conclusions about how the eye works as they...

Students describe the science of physics. For this Physics lesson, students observe examples of physics within their classroom. Students create a definition for physics.

Students explore physical science by completing a lab assignment. In this sunlight lesson, students define a list of scientific vocabulary terms and complete fill in the blank questions. Students conduct a photographic experiment in...

Students explore Ultraviolet detecting beads and conduct several investigations with them.  In this investigative lesson students participate in an experiment to see the harmful effects of UV light and discuss their findings. 

Students investigate radiant energy. For this earth science lesson, students use solar beads and clear sunscreen to observe radiant solar energy. Students note observations.

Middle schoolers are assigned to groups, and determine each member's role in the group. They will design an experiment to determine a way to produce the three primary and five secondary colors. Students discuss color and mood. They...

Explore optics using an inquiry-based experimental approach! Young scholars use a set of materials to design and build a unit capable of focusing a beam of light. They experiment with different lenses to determine the best approach to...

Students draw a diagram that shows the law of reflection. In this physics lesson, students investigate the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of reflection. They explain how light travels as it reflects on a surface.