Cornell University
Light Waves: Grades 6-8
Explore the behavior of light with different materials. Collaborative groups determine whether certain materials absorb, reflect, diffract, or transmit light waves. They then measure the angle of incidence and angle of reflection.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Reflections of Light
Why can we see our reflection in a window but not a brick wall? Young physicists learn the Law of Reflection and various light properties that help them answer this and other questions about reflection. Use the PowerPoint to introduce...
Curated OER
Bouncing Light
Young scholars design an experiment to investigate how light reflects. In this physics lesson plan, students apply the scientific method in conducting the experiment. They collect data and formulate a conclusion.
Curated OER
Reflection of Light
Students experiment with reflections of two plane mirrors placed at a 90 degree angle to see what will be reflected.
Cornell University
Light Waves: Grades 9-12
Explore the behavior of light waves with a lab activity. Scholars build new vocabulary through experimentation and observation. Using different mediums, they model reflection, refraction, transmission, diffusion, and scattering of light.
Physics Classroom
A Critical Lab
Physics lab groups finagle with laser lights to determine the critical angle of refraction for both water and Lucite. Because there are no detailed steps or an answer key for this enlightening exercise, an inexperienced physics...
Curated OER
The Bending and Bouncing of Light
Students investigate refraction and reflection of light. In this light lesson, students perform 3 activities to observe light interacting with matter by using a flashlight. They explore refraction using a glass of water and reflection...
Curated OER
Light My Fire!
Students draw a diagram that shows the law of reflection. For this physics lesson, students investigate the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of reflection. They explain how light travels as it reflects on a surface.
Curated OER
Reflection Experiments
Seventh graders investigate with light rays. In this light lesson, 7th graders determine the angle of reflection using simple materials. They continue the investigation by exploring the theory that light which is not reflected or...
Curated OER
Refraction B2—When is Light Reflected Internally?
Physics is phun in this lesson. Young physicists use a lightbox to test how and where light is refracted and reflected as it travels through transparent materials. Angles of incidence and refraction, sine of both angles, and the ratio...
Curated OER
How Light Travels
Students conduct an experiment. In this light lesson, students work in groups to see how light travels in a straight line and how light reflects.
Curated OER
Light
Students examine how light waves travel. In this properties of light lesson plan, students observe how light travels in water, how light is reflected and refracted, and how light is pure energy.
Curated OER
Light and Angles
Young scholars work together in groups to test light and how it reflects at different angles. They create their own hypothesis and answer questions given to them by their teacher. They complete the experiment at home and test if it...
Curated OER
Light & Crystals
Students observe a demonstration of light refraction. They experiment with disappearing crystals to further study light refraction.
Curated OER
Plane Mirror Images
Students view a demonstration to investigate mirror images. In this plane mirror lesson plan, students view a teacher demonstration of a plane mirror and the images it creates. They use meter sticks to investigate the angles of...
Curated OER
I'm So Bright, I Wear My Shades Indoors
Students observe and draw energy using UV beads. They describe how light can be produced, reflected, refracted, and separated into visible light of various colors.
Curated OER
Reflections Of
Students create angles using mirrors. In this angle reflection lesson, students draw angles, then use mirrors to create angles using reflections and measure the new angles.
Curated OER
Reflections
Students are given materials with various textures and light sources to investigate specular reflection, diffuse, reflection, angle of incidence, and angle of reflection. Students draw and label an everyday scenario showing specular and...
Curated OER
Light Is Amazing
Young scholars investigate light and its energy. They discuss the properties of light, research how much light the moon absorbed on their birthday on a website, complete a graphic organizer, and create a kaleidoscope.
Curated OER
Light Bounce
Students solve problems involving triangles. In this geometry lesson plan, students apply properties of triangles to find the missing angles and sides. They identify angles of parallel lines cut by a transversal.
Curated OER
Kaleidoscope
Students explore energy by creating a light project in class. In this kaleidoscope lesson plan, students discuss the properties of light and how mirrors can reflect the energy in different directions. Students view a diagram of light...
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 to create...
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...
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...