Curated OER
Light and Optics
Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.
American Institute of Physics
Optics and Anthony Johnson
Message sending has come a long way since the days of Morse code's dots and dashes. Young scientists study the research of optical physicist Anthony Johnson and his work in fiber optics, lasers, and the principle of total internal...
Curated OER
Light 3: All Those Seeing Color, Say Eye!
Middle schoolers explore the nature of light. They use on-line articles and a worksheet to explore the roles of the eye and brain in the perception of color. They draw and label a diagram illustrating the movement of light.
Curated OER
Light, Colors, and Vision
Third graders experience optic illusions by creating flipbooks. In this optics lesson, 3rd graders view a demonstration of the workings of rods and cones using a camera. They are shown an optical illusion and work to create their own...
Curated OER
The Components of Light
Students are given a mnemonic device to review the light spectrum as it relates to the different components of refracted light. In this components of light lesson, students read Light Magic and review the properties of light. Students...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Light Is
Students explore the properties of light. In this light instructional activity, students investigate visible light by viewing a website, examining an electromagnetic spectrum chart, and observing light demonstrations. Students write...
Space Awareness
The Fibre Optic Cable Class
Many people know that fiber optics are used in delivering the Internet, but are surprised to learn they are also used in astronomy. Scholars explore light, reflection, and fiber optics through hands-on activities. They discuss methods of...
Curated OER
Pictures Please: Traveling Light
Students investigate how light travels. In this optic science lesson plan, students discover that light travels in a straight line through a laser pointer demonstration. Students also study how pinhole cameras work by considering how...
Teach Engineering
What Does Light See?
The second installment of a seven-part series focuses on the refraction of light and how it affects the colors we see. Learners consider how this concept connects to biosensors for cancer detection.
Curated OER
Solar Electricity ~ The Colour Sensitivity of a Photovoltaic Cell
Teacher's notes, a materials list, detailed procedure, tips, and extension ideas are all included to make teaching this lesson on photovoltaic cells a sunny spot in your day! After some brief background reading, physical science...
Curated OER
Light and Optics
Students encounter different technology assignments that are related to light and optics. The activities are resource links that can be accessed directly from the directory that is given.
Curated OER
Using Bubbles to Learn about Light Interference
Students explore constructive interference and destructive interference. In this light travel lesson, students follow procedures to discover how light waves travel and experience interference.
Cornell University
Shedding a "Little" Light on Cancer Surgery
Many types of cancer treatments now depend on nanotechnology—a big "little" discovery. Scholars begin by removing "malignant" tissue from simulated brains, one using fluorescent markers thanks to nanotechnology and one without. This...
Curated OER
Fiber Optics
This is a printout of the slides for a presentation on fiber optics. In bullet-style notes, it covers how optic fibers work, their structure, different types, and their use. You may use these as a lecture guide, or if you want to take...
National Gallery of Canada
The Camera Obscura
You can create a camera with even the most unassuming materials. Learners view photographs and talk about the art. Some background information is included about the camera obscura for you to present before individuals make their own...
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Telescoping Periscope
Ahoy, matey! Here is an engineering expedition that mini mariners are sure to be swept away by! After reading a brief description and history of periscopes, they work in crews to construct one. Use this activity to enhance a lesson on...
American Institute of Physics
The Black Scientific Renaissance of the 1970s-90s: African American Scientists at Bell Laboratories
A two-part lesson plan asks young scientists to research the contributions of African American scientists at Bell Laboratories. After presenting their findings, class members watch two demonstrations that introduce them to total internal...
Curated OER
Vision and Optics: Light and Lenses
Students gain a conceptual comprehension of the functioning of the Human Eye in relation to optics and optical vision correction. They explore optics with light sources and various lenses, relating these to visual acuity, accommodation,...
Curated OER
Internet Quest: Bottled Light
Learners conduct research. In this lighting lesson, students define bottled lights. Learners research and answer questions about buying bottled light, create a poster to increase the sales of bottled light, write a sales pitch for...
Curated OER
Using Bubbles to Learn about Light Interference
Students explain the wave properties of light.
Curated OER
Light 2: The Lighter Side of Color
Students explore light and color, including how colors are mixed to produce new colors, how light is filtered, and how light is reflected off of surfaces.
Curated OER
The Sky Show
Learners use the internet to gather information to create their own science lesson plan. They choose from optical, wind, or electrical phenomena and use the internet to research information. Finally, they organize the information they...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function of...
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Understanding Wave Motion - Slinky vs. Snaky: Which Spring is Dominant?
Ride the wave to an understanding of refraction! The first in a series of two inquiry-based lessons challenges learners to create transverse waves with two different types of springs. As their wave hits an object, they observe the change...