Curated OER
Investigation of Polarized Light
Pupils investigate how polorizers filter light. For this physics lesson, students record their data and plot their results using a computer logging software. They discuss practical applications of polarization.
Curated OER
What Shape Is It?
Learners predict the shape of an unknown object by bouncing a ball on it. In this physics lesson, students relate this activity to how dolphins use echo-location to navigate. They analyze their lab result and discuss findings.
Curated OER
Rice (Gohan) Observations
Second graders investigate rice or gohan as it's called in Japan in a couple of experiments. They tally the results.
Curated OER
Traveling to Japan: Which Way Do We Go?
Fourth graders explore the different types of ways to measure the distance between Florida and Japan.
Curated OER
Fitness
Fourth graders determine how to design regular and semi-regular tessellations of the plane. They develop the ability to demonstrate why a tessellation covers the plane in this series of lessons.
Curated OER
Signal Flags
Students examine the use of signal flags on vessels. They use measurements and symmetry to create their very own signal flag. Students work together and as individuals to solve problems and express their ideas.
Curated OER
Absolute Value of Linear Functions
Students discover how abolute value affects linear functions. They complete a worksheet simulating a path for miniature golf hole in one for three figures. They construct a hole in one graph for each hole marking the X and Y coordinates.
Curated OER
Exploring and Creating Tessellations
Students use translations, rotations, and reflections to create tessellations. They explore and construct several different types of tessellations including pure/semi-pure and non-regular polygon and "Escher-like" tessellations .
Curated OER
Pauli's Magical Water
Students predict the shape of molecules using VSEPR theory. In this chemistry lesson, students differentiate a polar and nonpolar molecule. They discuss why water's polarity is very important.
Curated OER
Geometry, Word Search Puzzle
In this math instructional activity, students look for the words that are related to the math words used in the practice of geometry. They also practice spelling.
Florida State University
Florida State University: Light and Color: Reflection of Light
An in-depth discussion on reflection of light can be found here. Among the topics discussed include are the difference between specular and diffuse reflection, concave and convex mirrors, facets, total internal reflection, and much more....
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Critical Angle
Students can see light reflected and refracted in this demonstration. They will also discover the total internal reflection of light.
Other
Gcse.com: Physics: Reflection
Informational site provides illustrated tutorial of light reflection. Also discusses the law of reflection.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Light & Sound, Light Reflection Relay
For this exploration, students will investigate how light reflects off smooth surfaces, learn about angles of reflection, and apply that knowledge in a relay experiment.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: The Law of Reflection
The law of reflection is discussed and explained, accompanied by an animation depicting this law. Includes a list of links to detailed information about certain types of reflections.
Science Education Resource Center at Carleton College
Serc: Mn Step: Reflection Race: Exploring Reflection of Light
An interesting and engaging activity where students work in groups with a laser pointer and small mirrors. They must use their knowledge of angles of reflection to bounce the laser beam from mirror to mirror until it hits a target at the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Srt Bank Shot
This task asks students to use similarity to solve a pool table problem. Students must use the fact from physics that when an object bounces off of a wall, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Aligns with G-SRT.B.5.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
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.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Reflection and Ray Model of Light: The Law of Reflection
Through an illustrated tutorial and some interactive practice problems, students learn about the law of reflection of light.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction and Ray Model of Light: The Critical Angle
Illustrated examples and interactive practice problems that introduce students to the concept of the critical angle, the angle of incidence that provides an angle of refraction of 90-degrees.
Scholastic
Scholastic: Study Jams! Science: Light Absorption, Reflection, & Refraction
A video and a short quiz on the properties of light.
My Science Site
Reflection Experiments [Pdf]
Looking for some hands-on activities to use with your students to teach reflection? This resource offers a couple of experiments on the angle of reflection and light absorption. This resource is in PDF form; requires Adobe Reader.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Total Internal Reflection
This physics department site provides a definition and explanation of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Includes a diagram and an equation for calculating the critical angle for light approaching a surface.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Plix: Law of Reflection: Angle of Incidence
[Free Registration/Login Required] In the scenario shown here, the laser cannot shine through the black barrier but can hit all three targets by reflecting off of the floor. Use the red dot to change the angle of the laser generator and...