Light and Shadows Overdue

Examine the anatomy of a shadow. Learn what each part of a shadow is called. Investigate how an object’s translucence effects how light passes through it as you attempt to make a dark spot light. Discover how water can bend light in the experiment, Light the Way with Lasers. Explore how lenses can bend light to help bring objects into focus. Then, make your own liquid lens and see how effective it is at magnifying fonts.

To get a better understanding of the suggested activities to be done with this kit, view additional image link to the left. Note: some activities in this kit require a darkened room.

Recommended Audience: Ages 4-10

*This kit is a nice complement to our Lasers (coming soon) and Optical Adventures exhibits.

In this kit: desk lamp, 10 flashlights, aluminum foil, laser pointer, 3 sets of optical lenses (18 total), spool of wire, Light Optics (Bill Nye DVD), and activity guides. You will also need a white wall or screen to project on, pencils/pens, copy paper, salad oil, paper towels, water, bucket/sink and an empty 2-liter soda bottle.

For a complete list of materials provided in this kit, please view additional file to the left.