Activities: Predicting and Observing


Here you will work with a partner to explore a variety of activities that have to do with light.  As you complete the activity, see if you can identify a property of light.  You will have the opportunity to share your experiences and conclusions later!  Make sure you not only record your results but take pictures with the digital cameras at each station.  These pictures will be put to use as evidence when you report back to class!

Handouts for you to record your predictions, observations and thoughts will be available at each station. Here is a link for you to see what to look for: Predict

Activity 1

Predict what makes a periscope work?  What properties of light are evident in how a periscope works?

Building a Periscope

At this station you will need the following materials:

  1. 1 1-litre milk carton
  2. 2 mirrors
  3. protractor
  4. tape
  5. scissors
Method:
• Cut off the top of a milk carton
• Cut a one inch square hole near the bottom of one side
• Then cut a similar hole on the opposite side of the carton near the top
• Take a mirror and carefully place it inside the hole at thebottom, on adjacent side, at a 45 degree angle (use the protractor to measure the angle!) opposite the hole. Use the tape to hold it in place.

• Then take the second mirror and tape it at a 45 degree angle opposite the other hole at the other end, facing downward.

 

Look through the bottom of the periscope. Observe what happens as when you arrange the mirrors at 45 degree angles.  What do you think a property of light might be judging from what you have observed? Hint:  How does light travel and reflect?

Activity 2: Exploring Light and Colour (Part 1)
What effect does varied thicknesses of glass have on light? Shine a light through 3 glass samples, choosing one coloured piece of glass, one clear piece of glass and one clear piece of glass that is a prism.  What do you observe?
Activity 3: Exploring Light and Colour (Part 2)

Predict what will happen when you mix red, blue and green paint?

Take a dab of each and mix together.  Observe and record what happens!

Cover three flashlights with red, green and blue cellophane, securing the cellophane in place with elastic bands. Predict what will happen when you shine these flashlights in separate places against a white wall and then all together on one spot.  Observe and record the results!

Why do you think that wearing black in the summer makes you feel hotter than wearing white in the summer?

Activity 4: Spear the (plastic) fish! 

Beside the bucket of water, you will find a wooden skewer (one for each of you).  Take turns spearing the fish.  Predict where to place the skewer.  Record how successful you were.

Activity 5: Lenses

Draw an arrow on a card and prop it up on the table.  Place a glass of water a little to one side of the card and a few inches in front of it.  Now stoop down until your eyes are on a level with the arrow.  Notice which way the arrow points.  Predict what will happen when you slide the glass between the card and your eyes.  Then do it.  Observe which way does the arrow points now?  Slide the glass of water in and out a few times and watch the arrow.  What happens?

Bonus!  From what you have noticed here, predict whether what you observed here would make a difference to how glasses are made? What do you think can be concluded about how cameras work?

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