Using the Lens Equation and the Magnification Equations, students determine numerical information about image distance and image size.

Students take an in-depth look at the physics behind image formation.

This tutorial looks at the anatomy of the eye and how the sense of sight works. This is the first part of a learning module. Subsequent sections cover how images are formed and detected, the concept of accommodation where the eye adjusts...

Ultraviolet (UV) light has shorter wavelengths than visible light. Though these waves are invisible to the human eye, some insects can see them. The specific wavelength values are given. Uses and applications of these waves are explained.

Read about the visible light spectrum and learn the frequencies and wavelengths for each of the primary and secondary colors.

In this activity, students construct their own pinhole camera to observe the behavior of light.

Students use the spectrograph from the "Building a Fancy Spectrograph" activity to gather data about light sources. Using their data, they make comparisons between different light sources and make conjectures about the composition of a...

Students are introduced to different ways of displaying visual spectra, including colored "barcode" spectra, like those produced by a diffraction grating, and line plots displaying intensity versus color, or wavelength. Students learn...

Defines the refraction of light and provides an applet for investigating it.

What is electromagnetic radiation and how does it work? Review a captioned graphic that explains electromagnetic radiation and the visible and invisible types of radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.

Physiclips thoroughly presents geometrical optics concepts like rays, refraction, Snell's law, total internal reflection, dispersion, mirrors, and lenses with animations and film clips.

Learn why the Sun keeps us healthy, and also, learn how the Sun can harm our skin, eyes, and immune system. Read about the dangers associated with the Sun's ultraviolet rays, and read tips to help you stay safe when outside in the summer...

An interactive Java applet which allows the user to investigate the path of light through a lens shape object. The shape of the object, the index of refraction of the material, and the location of the incident rays can be altered.

Through diagrams and illustrations, students explore how images are formed through the physics law of reflection.

The people at Cool Cosmos explain infrared in a comprehensible way. They use several sets of pictures for you to visually see how infrared rays work. Great for anyone doing research or just reading up on an interest.

Instead of just ooohing and aaahing over that beautiful sunset, impress your loved ones with an insightful and informed explanation of just what makes sunsets so interesting, and they will oooh and aaah at you too! At this site, you'll...

See images and read about examples of infrared rays, and learn how they behave in different conditions.

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of the scientific findings and developments which led to the invention and refinement of the microscope. Includes a short biographical sketch and...

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of the invention of the telescope. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Isaac Newton which focuses on his contribution...

A map showing a view of the night sky is given; sources of extreme ultraviolet light are marked. Visitors analyze the spectrum from these parts of the sky and attempt to determine which star type the spectrum most closely resembles.

Sunburn isn't just painful, it's dangerous. Learn about the connection between sun exposure and skin cancer, and learn how treat sunburn. Also, learn how to prevent getting sunburn with three simple tips. Use the links on this page to...

This site from the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research provides an illustrated article about the phenomenon of rainbows.

For elementary students, this would be a great demonstration on properties of light and optics. For middle school and high school, this would be a great start to a lab but needs experimentation. Site by Exploratorium.

In this interactive, learn about sources of both beneficial and harmful radiation which exist in many forms all around us.