Biography of Galileo Galilei (1564-1642), one of the most famous scientists and inventors of all time. He is best remembered for his invention of the telescope, which caused him to question the contemporary belief that the Earth was the...

Student will see this design shimmer! Use this site to learn about this optical illusion and what makes it happen.

An experiment in optical illusions. Understand how seeing is a joint effort between your eyes and your brain.

[Free Registration/Login Required] Are your eyes playing tricks on you? This site contains parallel and skew lines that creates an optical illusion.

In order to understand refraction, students will explore the factors that affect the speed at which a light wave is transported through a medium.

A glossary explaining the definitions of terms used in discussing the science of light.

Biography of Willebrord Snell (1580-1626), a Dutch mathematician known best for his work in refractive indices.

Biography of Etienne-Louis Malus (1775-1812), a famous French mathematician and physicist, best known for his work in double refraction and in polarization.

Biography of Anders Jonas Angstrom (1814-1874), a Swedish physicist who pioneered the field of spectroscopy. He was also well known for his work in mathematics and astronomy.

A mnemonic device that helps students refine their understanding of texts to meet reading expectations, engage in group conversations to meet speaking and listening expectations, and prepare for writing about visual texts.

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...

This site provides a very brief definition to geometric optics, and includes links to related information.

This site from the Nobel eMuseum provides great information on Arthur Holly Compton. The information is provided by links, ranging from a biography to the presentation speech, along with the nobel lecture and other resources.

An experiment to demonstrate how to make a rainbow and why they form.

A simple experiment that clearly demonstrates how light bends when it passes through water. Accompanied by a good explanation of what's happening, and a link to an article on refraction.

An experiment to investigate what colors are seen when light is absorbed or reflected by colored gumballs. With links to scientific, academic articles that explain what is happening.

An activity for making a telescope using a cardboard tube and two lenses. Accompanied by an explanation of how the telescope works, and a link to an article about lenses.

An investigation into how lenses behave. Students explore using convex and concave lenses in various ways and record their observations. They are then are directed to another site to try activities where they can manipulate virtual lenses.

A simple experiment that clearly demonstrates angles of reflection when light hits a mirror. Accompanied by a good explanation of what's happening, and a link to an article on reflection.

A instructional activity demonstrating the concept of refraction. It uses a highly engaging 'magic' trick where a smashed glass tube is seemingly put back together.

Using the Jewelbox Cluster, young scholars determine the cluster's age based on measurements of its color and brightness.

This is a page written by a member of the Amateur Telescope Makers Association, Massimo Riccardi. It describes a downloadable software program which can be used to analyze and design mirrors to exact specifications.

Instead of just ooohing and aaahing over that beautiful sunset, impress your loved ones with an insightful and informed explanation of just what makes sunsets so interesting, and they will oooh and aaah at you too! At this site, you'll...

Experiments and activities for investigating the science of light, as well as in-depth explanations of some of the light principles.