An in-depth discussion on reflection of light can be found here. Among the topics discussed include are the difference between specular and diffuse reflection, concave and convex mirrors, facets, total internal reflection, and much more. Also provided are some interactive Java tutorials on reflection of light.

Explore how rainbows are produced when light passes from one material to another in this video gallery. Use the four video clips to help students understand how light can respond with a rainbow of colors when it interacts with water and prisms. Support materials include: Background Reading, Teaching Tips, and Discussion Questions.

This video segment adapted from Shedding Light on Science demonstrates the law of reflection by showing how light energy is reflected off both smooth and rough surfaces at predictable angles.

This video segment adapted from Shedding Light on Science demonstrates the law of reflection, showing how light energy is reflected off both smooth and rough surfaces at predictable angles. Includes background reading material and discussion questions. [5:36]

Student groups are challenged to program robots with light sensors to follow a black line. Learning both the logic and skills behind programming robots for this challenge helps students improve their understanding of how robots "think" and widens their appreciation for the complexity involved in programming LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT robots to do what appears to be a simple task. They test their ideas for approaches to solve the problem and ultimately learn a (provided) working programming solution. They think of real-world applications for line-follower robots that use sensor input. A PowerPoint® presentation and pre/post quizzes are provided.

Ian and his family are on holiday near Loch Ness. Find out about the Loch Ness monster, and learn about light and reflection.

This video segment of Swift: Eyes through Time provides concrete examples to explain the concept that distance in space equals distance in time.

Students determine the refractive index of a liquid with a simple technique using a semi-circular hollow block. Then they predict the refractive index of a material (a Pyrex glass tube) by matching it with the known refractive index of a liquid using the percent light transmission measurement. The homemade light intensity detector uses an LED and multimeter, which are relatively inexpensive (and readily available) compared to commercially available measurement instruments.

A visual representation of how the universe is not equal parts matter and antimatter

This site from the MayoClinic.com provides great information on the seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. The article includes sections such as: overview, signs and symptoms, causes, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Learn about an important physics experiment that uses an invention that manipulates light in this interactive activity adapted from NASA.

This site from Georgia State University Physics Department provides a discussion of how light refracts through the lenses of a microscope. Demonstrates the parts of a microscope and includes an interactive form in which the magnifying power is calculated.

A hands on activity students can perform to demonstrate the phenomena of gravitational lensing

Students learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the greenhouse effect. They construct their own miniature greenhouses and explore how their designs take advantage of heat transfer processes to create controlled environments. They record and graph measurements, comparing the greenhouse indoor and outdoor temperatures over time. Students are also introduced to global issues such as greenhouse gas emissions and their relationship to global warming.

Manipulate the incident angle, color of light, wavelength, and medium to see how the refracted angle is affected.

Scientists conduct an experiment to learn about moths' attraction to light in this video segment from WILD TV. [4:10]

Students are introduced to the parameters of an engineering challenge in which their principal has asked them to devise an invisible security system to cost-effectively protect a treasured mummified troll, while still allowing for visitor viewing during the day. Students generate ideas for solving the grand challenge, first independently, then in small groups, and finally, compiled as a class.

In this very detailed lesson plan from NASA, students investigate wavelength and frequency within the electromagnetic spectrum.

Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic waves we can see. We see these waves as the colors of the rainbow. Each color has a different wavelength. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all the waves are seen together, they make white light. [4:50]