Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Physics/light

For Students 9th - 10th
Here is a large collection of simple science class activities for understanding the physics of light.
Article
PBS

Pbs Learning Media: Diamonds: The Science Behind the Sparkle

For Students 9th - 10th
This illustrated essay from the NOVA Web site explains why the atomic structure of a diamond slows down light and produces a sparkle more brilliant than from any other colorless substance.
Website
Ducksters

Ducksters: Physics for Kids: Behavior of Light as a Wave

For Students 1st - 9th
Kids learn about the behavior of light as a wave in the science of physics including reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Disappearing Glass Rods

For Students 9th - 10th
In this activity, you will make a glass object disappear by eliminating the reflection from and the refraction by the glass object.
Lesson Plan
Better Lesson

Better Lesson: Properties of Waves

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
In this direct instruction instructional activity, students draw sketches in their science notebooks in order to make sense of wave properties. Resources include a slideshow presentation on the properties of waves and multiple examples...
Activity
Optical Society

Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Total Internal Reflection

For Students 9th - 10th
An investigation into the total internal reflection of light, using a laser pointer. Accompanied by an explanation of what's happening, a discussion of Snell's Law, and links to additional information.
Handout
Optical Society

Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Guiding Light Optical Fiber

For Students 3rd - 8th
This experiment demonstrates the concept of total internal reflection, using basic materials. Accompanied by a detailed explanation of what's happening, and links to articles on reflection and refraction.