Presents activities and experiments that can be performed with mirrors to illustrate the nature and behavior of light. Includes diagrams, directives and investigative questions. (ML)

Describes a series of optical illustions designed to explore the nature and behavior of light, the mechanics and optical principles of eyes, and the brain's learned ability to interpret what we see. (BR)

Presents two views about lenses and optics in attempt to clarify a story written by Carolyn Hermann, "Through the Magnifying Glass." Cites two references for additional reading on students' optics difficulties. (RT)

Procedures for demonstrating rainbows in the classroom are provided. Materials required include a clear plastic box (the size of a shoebox), water, and an overhead projector. Also tells how to make a rainbow on the chalkboard using colored chalk. (JN)

Simple laboratory investigations are given which expose elementary students to optical crystallography techniques. Procedures and materials are designed for sixth-grade students. (SA)

Describes construction of a pinhole camera with simple materials and five experiments to be conducted, as well as instructions in creating a working camera obscura. (BR)

Explains a demonstration that shows the additive nature of light using three overhead projectors. (GA)

Teachers may introduce students to anamorphic art (images designed to be looked at with conical mirrors or with mirrors diagonal to the image) with inexpensive cylindrical mirrors. By using polar graph paper, images can be made "correctly distorted" and will appear normal when viewed with a cylindrical mirror. (DH)

Activities used to teach optics to fifth and sixth graders are presented. Moon phases and solar and lunar eclipses are included. (SA)

Provided are hands-on activities on light, simulated emission, light radiation, and common uses of lasers. Directions and materials are discussed. Included is a diagram of a laser model. (CW)

This study explored the usefulness of an approach to science instruction which specifically considered children's spontaneous conceptions about natural phenomena. The aim of the instruction was the development of conceptual understanding. The instructional approach involved diagnosing children's spontaneous conceptions, making them aware of their…

Describes how students can construct kaleidoscopes to learn basic principles of reflection. Instructions are included for simple experiments using mirrors. Outlines more complicated constructions of kaleidoscopes with recommendations for variations of the experiments. (TW)

This document was developed to help teachers locate computer software to enhance the teaching of traditional physics at all educational levels. It contains a table listing approximately 900 packages. The table is organized by type of computer (Apple II, Atari, Commodore, IBM PC, Macintosh, and TRS-80) and is alphabetized first by publisher and…