Bright Lights, Big Science - Virtual
Students will learn about light and how reflection and refraction work.
Students will identify items that are transparent, translucent and opaque. They will explore reflection by creating their own kaleidoscope. Students will also explore refraction through a demonstration, and explore shadows.
This virtual outreach activity is split into a pre-activity document - i.e., workshop overview and list of materials with preparation instructions for both the volunteer and educator, a post-activity document - i.e., extra information and resources for the educator after the activity, and a PowerPoint presentation with presenter notes to help lead the workshop virtually. Also included is a Kaleidoscope Instructions document.
What You Need
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
- Kaleidoscope template printed on card stock - thick Bristol board or construction paper will work as well
- Clear plastic, (e.g., packaging, lids, acetate, etc.) - Ziploc bags, wax paper, or page protector sheets will work as well
- Foil paper/tin foil
- Permanent markers (preferred)
- Scissors
- Tape
- 2 objects, one a small and one with a big circle base (e.g., cup, water bottle)
- Glue stick
- Push pin (if caregiver allows handling) - Round headed pin or brass pin will work as well
Activity 2a: Pencil in Water
- Glass of water (glass must be transparent)
- Pencil
Activity 2b: Making Shadows
- Paper (2 or 3 sheets)
- Pencils (at least 2)
- Playdough/clay
- Flashlight (can be from a cell phone)
- Create your own shadows worksheets (optional)
PowerPoint:
Pre-Activity Document:
Safety Notes
Ensure you are familiar with Let's Talk Science's precautions with respect to safe delivery of virtual outreach to youth. These precautions can be found in the manual for this activity.
This activity uses lights, so make sure the students do not point a light in their own eyes or in someone else's.
What To Do
Pre-Workshop Prep
Students must complete the following prior to the start of the workshop.
- Print out the following sheets (total of 1-7 sheets)
- Kaleidoscope template (not double sided)
- Optional: Create your own shadow worksheets (4 sheets)
- Optional: Bright Lights Bingo (2 sheets)
- Cut out the following templates/materials:
- Kaleidoscope template
- Cut out a piece of tinfoil that fits the area of the kaleidoscope template you cut out.
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
- Cut out the cardstock template and fold it along the lines into a pyramid shape.
- Reopen it and line the cardstock with foil paper/tin foil, securely glue or tape it on. Fold it back into a pyramid shape. Be careful not to crumple the foil paper. Tape it on the edge to secure it.
- Draw a big and a small circle on your plastic sheet/wax paper, etc. Colour them in and cut them out.
- Pin the two circles together close to the edge. Pin the larger circle first. Safety: You may need to ask assistance from an adult or your caregiver.
- Tape the pin to any side of the kaleidoscope. Safety: You may need to ask assistance from an adult or your caregiver.
- Direct your kaleidoscope to the light, rotate the larger circle, look through the open end and watch what happens. Safety: Do NOT direct your kaleidoscope at the sun or a strong source of sunlight.
Activity 2a: Pencil in Water
- Place the pencil in the glass of water. What do you see?
- Does the pencil look the same out of the water and inside the water? Why/why not?
Activity 2b: Making Shadows
- Put a piece of paper to your right (if you're right-handed) or your left (if you're left-handed).
- Put a pencil on a piece of paper near the edge closest to you. (Optional: Use tape to keep it in place)
- Position the flashlight to shine on the pencil. (Make sure the light will not face you or anyone else).
- Turn on the flashlight and draw the shadow.
Discovery
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
Why do we see all these colorful patterns? The light passes through the coloured circle, reflects off the foil and enters our eyes, allowing us to visualize all the colours!
Activity 2a: Pencil in Water
It looks like the pencil is broken in the middle once it is placed in the glass of water. This is because there is air in the top of the glass and water on the bottom. Light is moving through two different materials (mediums). Is it easier to get through air or water?
Some mediums, like water, are harder to move through. They slow light down! When light slows down, it bends. Light changes directions when it bends. This is called refraction.
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
Try to make different designs for your kaleidoscope and see how they look when you look towards the light.
Activity 2b: Shadows
Try to make different shadows. Use the Create a Shadow worksheet to try and recreate the shadows.
Bright Lights Bingo
Print the bingo card and try to find the items in your environment. Try to fill the whole card.
What's Happening?
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
Why do we see all these colorful patterns? The light passes through the coloured circle, reflects off the foil and enters our eyes, allowing us to visualize all the colours!
Activity 2a: Pencil in Water
It looks like the pencil is broken in the middle once it is placed in the glass of water. This is because there is air in the top of the glass and water on the bottom. Light is moving through two different materials (mediums). Is it easier to get through air or water?
Some mediums, like water, are harder to move through. They slow light down! When light slows down, it bends. Light changes directions when it bends. This is called refraction.
Investigate Further
Activity 1: Kaleidoscope
Try to make different designs for your kaleidoscope and see how they look when you look towards the light.
Activity 2b: Shadows
Try to make different shadows. Use the Create a Shadow worksheet to try and recreate the shadows.
Bright Lights Bingo
Print the bingo card and try to find the items in your environment. Try to fill the whole card.