Students learn the basic properties of light--the concepts of light absorption, transmission, reflection and refraction, as well as the behavior of light during interference. Lecture information briefly addresses the electromagnetic...

If you want to know how atoms and photons work together to make lasers this site has great explanations. There are interactive applets to help you really understand the concepts!

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

Through two classroom demos, students are introduced to the basic properties of lasers through various mediums. In the Making an Electric Pickle demonstration, students see how cellular tissue is able to conduct electricity, and how this...

In a hands-on way, students explore light's properties of absorption, reflection, transmission and refraction through various experimental stations within the classroom. To understand absorption, reflection and transmission, they shine...

Students apply everything they have learned about light properties and laser technologies to designing, constructing and presenting laser-based security systems that protect the school's mummified troll. In the associated activity,...

Flip over this interactive OLogy card to find fast facts, questions and answers, and similar bite-size pieces of information about the properties and uses of lasers.

A video and a short quiz on the basic concepts and vocabulary for understanding light energy.

Students learn and use the properties of light to solve the following challenge: "A mummified troll was discovered this summer at our school and it has generated lots of interest worldwide. The principal asked us, the technology classes,...

Learners are introduced to the (hypothetical) task of developing an invisible (non-intrusive) security system to protect the school's treasured mummified troll! Solving the challenge depends on an understanding of the properties of...

Strips of gelatin dessert and a laser pointer demonstrate total internal reflection.

Discusses the interaction between light energy and atoms of matter. Explains Einstein's photoelectric effect and discusses its application to lasers. Includes an interactive Java applet depicting the interaction between a photon and an...

An interesting and engaging activity where young scholars 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...

Students use simple household materials, such as PVC piping and compact mirrors, to construct models of laser-based security systems. The protected object (a "mummified troll" or another treasure of your choosing) is placed "on display"...

Several short descriptions and graphics of demonstrations which illustrate principles of interference. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.

[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...