Instructional Video2:59
Ancient Lights Media

Refraction in the Atmosphere

6th - 8th
Refraction Set: 2. This clip explains the atmospheric refraction that includes mirages, rainbows and sunsets.
Instructional Video3:15
Curated Video

The Unconscious Inference: How Your Mind Fills in the Blanks of Vision

Pre-K - Higher Ed
We make a lot of assumptions about the things we see without even thinking about it. We fill in visual gaps based on information from past experiences. This is called unconscious inference. Learn how and why we do this.
Instructional Video3:31
Curated Video

How Animals Blend into Their Surroundings

Pre-K - Higher Ed
This video explores the concept of camouflage in animals and how it helps them survive in nature. It explains the different ways animals blend into their surroundings, such as matching their background or having special designs on their...
Instructional Video3:11
Curated Video

Visual Effects: Colors, Contrasts, and Perception

Pre-K - Higher Ed
In this video, we explore the fascinating effects of color mixing and contrast on our perception. From the creation of mesmerizing patterns to the disappearance and reappearance of objects, we discover how our brain interprets visual...
Instructional Video0:57
Steve Spangler Science

Disappearing Money - Sick Science! #049

4th - 7th
Bring a little magic into the classroom. Fill a cup with water, place a plate underneath it, and watch a coin disappear. This is a great way to kick off a discussion involving the behavior of light and the concepts of reflection and...
Instructional Video1:10
Curated OER

Color Mixing Wheel

3rd - 6th
Two scientific concepts can be taught with this activity. First, the mixing of primary colors is demonstrated. As the color wheel spins, red, yellow, and blue are no longer visible; secondary colors orange, purple, and green appear in...
Instructional Video0:57
Curated OER

Disappearing Money

4th - 7th
Bring a little magic into the classroom. Fill a cup with water, place a plate underneath it, and watch a coin disappear. This is a great way to kick off a discussion involving the behavior of light and the concepts of reflection and...
Instructional Video1:10
Steve Spangler Science

Color Mixing Wheel - Sick Science! #019

3rd - 6th
Two scientific concepts can be taught with this activity. First, the mixing of primary colors is demonstrated. As the color wheel spins, red, yellow, and blue are no longer visible; secondary colors orange, purple, and green appear in...
Instructional Video1:04
Steve Spangler Science

Mysterious Appearing Colors - Sick Science! #050

3rd - 5th
Experiment with light and color using the activity from this film. Learners can make their own spinning discs to demonstrate the principles. This is a hands on way to explore color and optical illusion. As an added bonus, your scientists...
Instructional Video4:09
TED-Ed

The Moon Illusion

4th - 7th Standards
Does the moon change size? It sure looks like it! Two optical illusions are suggested as an explanation: Ebbinghaus and Ponzo. However, there are problems with both of these. Convergence micropsia may answer the question, but many...
Instructional Video
Crash Course

Crash Course Film History #1: Movies Are Magic

9th - 10th
This video focuses on how early movies were made using the phi phenomenon, an illusion of motion created when still pictures were viewed quickly. The history of still pictures began with the camera obscura, Daguerreotype, Eastman's...
Audio
Science Friday Initiative

Science Friday: Enter an Optical Illusion

9th - 10th
Gravity doesn't behave as expected in a new art exhibition in New York City. [5 mins. 40 secs.]