Math Solutions
Shape Sorting: Looking for Green!
Young mathematicians rotate, flip, and sort their way to an understanding of the different attributes of geometric figures. Using transparent yellow and blue shapes, children try to match congruent figures together...
Teach Engineering
When Silicon Talks
Explore Snell's Law using thin films. In the fifth installment of a seven-part series, pupils solve a set of problems relating to Snell's Law and use this skill during an experiment requiring the collection of reflective measurements...
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...
CK-12 Foundation
Diamond Cut
How do jewelers tell the difference between diamonds, glass, and cubic zirconia? A sparkling simulation demonstrates how to use a ray of light to determine the substance and ideal shape for a diamond. Scholars control the material,...
Curated OER
Physical Setting: Physics Exam 2004
Twelve pages of mostly multiple-choice questions comprise this comprehensive New York Regents physics exam. It covers an entire year's worth of physics curriculum and requires about three hours for completion. Review the questions to...
Physics Classroom
Law Enforcement - Refraction
Pupils apply their knowledge of refraction to four different sets of challenges. Each of the first three focus on one variable's impact on the direction of bending. The fourth combines variables for greater challenge.
Curated OER
Reflection of Light With Two Plane Mirrors- Double Mirrors Placed at a Number of Angles
Students place two plane mirrors at different angles to experiment with reflection. They make kaleidoscopes and periscopes.
Curated OER
How Light Moves
Students study the movement of light. For this light lesson, students work in groups to participate in a light and shadow walk around their neighborhood. Students brainstorm rules for light movement and watch videos about light travel,...
Curated OER
Intelligence Preference
Eighth graders describe how light behaves when it strikes a surface. In this physics lesson, 8th graders investigate how the different types of mirrors reflect light. They work with their chosen group on a task they selected.
Curated OER
Physical Principles in Living Systems
Seventh graders experiment with white light, plane mirrors, and curved mirrors in order to demonstrate the physical principles of living systems. In this physical principles lesson plan, 7th graders take 3 days to discover what happens...
Curated OER
Waves Worksheet
In this light waves activity, students complete 7 short answer questions where they analyze and record findings about the properties of light waves.
Curated OER
How We See Things
Students study light. In this lesson on light, students discuss how flat and angled mirrors reflect light and draw a picture showing how a mirror reflects light into an eye.
Curated OER
Elementary Exploration: Seeing the Light
Students use critical thinking skills to learn about light, sound, and matter. Students follow the procedure steps to complete a light, sound, and matter experiment.
Curated OER
An Awareness of Light Made Simply Fun
Learners with sensory perception issues discover the properties of light through a series of excellent hands on activities. They look at beams of lights in a darkened room; use a kaleidoscope and optical illusions as they experience the...
Curated OER
Geometrical Optics: Reflection and Refraction of Light
Students define and discus the concepts of wave fronts and rays. In groups, they distinguish between specular and diffuse reflections and use Snell's Law to predict the path of light rays. They calculate the speed of light through...
Curated OER
The Science of Shadow Puppets
Students explore the art of shadow puppetry. In this performing arts lesson, students study the functions of lighting in the puppet theater as they examine the transmission, absorption, and reflection of light. As a culminating activity,...
Jefferson Lab
Optics: Mirrors and Lenses
Did you see that or did I imagine it? Optical illusions are often created with mirrors and lenses, and here is a presentation that covers many different types of mirrors and lenses and how they work. Flat, concave, and convex mirrors, as...
Curated OER
Plane Mirrors
Learners investigate the law of reflection by using mirrors. In this physics instructional activity, students operate a robot using IR controllers. They explain the path of light as it reflects through a surface.
Curated OER
Indirect Measurement with Similar Triangles
Students use similar triangles to find missing heights. In this using similar triangles to find missing heights lesson, students use proportions to find the heights of missing side lengths. Students find the height of trees...
Curated OER
Lesson Plan Outline for Rainbow Science
Young scientists study light reflection and refraction as they determine the critical angle, the rainbow angle, and color separation in rainbows. Teams record the data they collect in a shared spreadsheet and discuss results with the class.
North American Montessori Center
Sun and Moon Autumnal Equinox Activities
Two hands-on activities celebrate the sun and moon autumnal equinox. First, scholars create a cairn using a shoebox, flashlight, and drawing tools to view the sun's progression. Second, learners take to the kitchen to bake mooncakes...
Curated OER
Multiple Images Activity
In this images worksheet, students use different sized mirrors to determine how many angles and images are reflected. Students complete 5 sets of directions.
Curated OER
Making a Periscope
Students experiment with a simple periscope to see how it reflects light. They draw a diagram of the path a ray of light follows as it travels from an object, through the periscope, and into your eye.
Curated OER
Mirror Writing
In this mirror writing worksheet, students follow the directions to decide which alphabet letters are symmetrical. Students use a mirror and a white light as they work in partners to trace simple shapes.