Interactive

Least Time

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet

What is the fastest way to get from point A to point B if you are going through two different mediums, such as air then water? Scholars explore the way light travels through air, water, acrylic, glass, and diamond as they answer this question. Graphs display the travel time and angles of refraction for each combination tested.

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CCSS: Adaptable
NGSS: Designed
Additional Tags
Instructional Ideas
  • Use a laser light and blocks of transparent material (water, glass, acrylic) to observe this in person
Classroom Considerations
  • Assumes prior knowledge of sine waves, angles, refraction, and interpreting graphs
  • Must sign up for a free CK-12 account to access the interactive
Pros
  • Includes answers to some of the worksheet questions
  • Provides a walk-through video examining the science behind the simulation
Cons
  • None
Common Core
NGSS