Dichroic prism with white light from bottom (right)
Newton may be most famous for his discovery under the apple tree, but he is also the originator of modern optics. This week we offer up some great experiments in optics that will help your young learner better understand how light works.
Pre-K
Explore the tiny world! Get a magnifying glass and look at items around you. How are they different up close? Some suggestions for things to look at:
Carpet
Plants
Skin
Ice cubes
Hairbrush
Food
Don’t have a magnifying glass? Make one using these simple instructions!
Want to take pictures of tiny things? Check out this tutorial on how to turn a phone into a microscope .
Microwave it! Here’s a list of fun stuff to put in the microwave. Be careful with the lgiht bulb and only use incandesent bulbs on a paper plate. Other types of bulbs contain mercury or other dangerous substances. Make sure to have a fire extinguisher on hand if you’re microwaving anything flammable.
Elementary
Check out these great activities from the Optical Society of America.
Even more activities available at Optics for Kids.
Middle
Why do things glow in the dark
Even more activities available at Optics for Kids.
High School
Even more activities available at Optics for Kids.