University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: How Does Light Travel?
Contains a four step procedure to deriving the law of reflection using algebra, Fermat's principle, and calculus (simple derivatives). This is good for an in-class theoretical exercise.
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....
Other
University of Kansas: Quarked!: Catcher
A simple game of catch where the player must judge, from the angle a ball will hit a shape, where to position the catcher.
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota: Refraction of Light
This page is a continuation of a tutorial about light reflection and refraction. It contains a diagram and suggestions on how to derive Snell's Law, which governs the refraction of light in a medium. For background to this derivation,...
![Reflection Experiments [Pdf] Activity](https://static.lp.lexp.cloud/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Reflection Experiments [Pdf] Activity")
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.
Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Learning Lab: Turn About's Fair Play! Mirrors and How They Reflect
Teachers can download this teaching package that looks at light and symmetry through the use of mirrors. Students will enjoy the nine mirror challenges, along with the hands-on activities described in the lessons. Teachers will...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Reflection and Refraction
Reflection and refraction are explained with an experiment that uses a sheet of paper, cardboard, and other common materials.
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.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction and Ray Model of Light: Boundary Behavior
In this illustrated physics tutorial, students investigate the connection between light reflection and light refraction.
Utah Education Network
Uen: Enlightening Explorations, Part Ii
This lesson engages students in learning about light. Studets will describe how light is produced, reflected, refracted, and separated.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Physical Science: Refraction
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Refraction of light in matter and how light changes its speed and angle of refraction according to the type of medium it is travelling through.
University of South Florida
Fcat: Reflection: Teacher Notes
Students use the coordinate plane to investigate how reflections affect geometric shapes. Can be used by the student, but is also a great lesson plan idea for teachers.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Mirrors and Images
An experiment to investigate how many images appear as the angle between two hinged mirrors is increased. Accompanied by an explanation of what is happening, questions for students to consider, and a link to an article about reflection.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Total Internal Reflection
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students learn about total internal reflection. More specifically, they will learn what the critical angle is, how it is derived and how to solve for it in real life...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Methods of Polarization
At this college physics department site, the polarization of light is explained and illustrated as well as the primary methods of polarization (scattering, reflection, and refraction).
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Bending Light
Manipulate variables and measure angles as light is refracted in this interactive simulation.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Ph Et Interactive Simulations: Bending Light
Explore bending of light between two media with different indices of refraction. See how changing from air to water to glass changes the bending angle. Play with prisms of different shapes and make rainbows.
Walter Fendt
Walter Fendt: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Defines the refraction of light and provides an applet for investigating it.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Reflection and Ray Model of Light: Right Angle Mirrors
Discover how light reacts when it strikes mirrors which are placed at right angles to each other.
Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology
Iris: Determining Shallow Earth Structure
Extend students' learning of fundamental physics concepts (reflection, refraction and transmission of energy) through a real-world application.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Traditional Copy an Angle: Compass Construction Using Cabri
Use Cabri Jr to copy an angle. The activity is followed by a student-to-student interview/reflection sheet intended to require students to think, talk, and write about why the construction worked. The reflection sheet could be adapted...
Science and Mathematics Initiative for Learning Enhancement (SMILE)
Smile: Light
In this activity, students actually find the angles of reflection and incidence.
Illustrative Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics: G Co Origami Equilateral Triangle
The purpose of this task is to explore reflections in the context of paper folding. Each fold is associated with a line of reflection and understanding each step in the construction requires careful analysis of angles and of the...
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.