Plant leaves are green because they contain the green photosynthetic pigments, chlorophylls a and b. Popular science literature, and sometimes even textbooks, state that the greenness is caused by reflection of green light by chlorophyll. In the present study, we compared the reflectance spectra of green leaves to yellow or white leaves of the…

Visual representations are ubiquitous in modern-day science textbooks and have in recent years become an object of criticism and scrutiny. This article examines the extent to which changes in representations in textbooks published in the USA over the past six decades have invited those critiques. Drawing from a correlational analysis of a corpus…

A low-cost and portable colorimeter kit has been designed and developed as an educational tool at Penn State University by Dr. Daniel Sykes for K-12 schools' integrated STEM learning. This scientific instrument allows students to learn how scientists utilize light as a means to study the chemical and physical properties of materials with an…

This study investigates the effectiveness of a teaching conflict procedure whose purpose was the transformation of the representations of 12-16-year-old pupils in Greece concerning light emission and shadow formation by extended light sources. The changes observed during the children's effort to destabilize and reorganise their representations…

Presents simple experiments to study the basic properties of light utilizing a flashlight, small mirrors, a magnifying lens, a plastic comb, paper and pencil, and a pair of eyeglasses. (JJK)

Describes the construction and use of homemade kaleidoscopes using film canisters and microscope slides. (JRH)

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)

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)

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…

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

Discusses physics, earth science, and physical science concepts that are challenging for students and teachers because they are difficult to understand and demonstrate. Identifies ratio and inverse-square as a unifying-concept approach according to the National Education Standards. Supports teaching based on student-centered activities, long-term…

This educator's guide from discusses optics, light, color and their uses. Activities include: (1) "Reflection of Light with a Plane (Flat) Mirror--Trace a Star"; (2) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a 90-Degree Angle"; (3) "Reflection of Light with Two Plane Mirrors--Double Mirrors Placed at a Number of…

Details the construction and design of two kinds of sundials appropriate for school or home use. (Author/WRM)

Discusses the production of hundreds of pinhole images of a recent eclipse of the sun through the leaf canopy. Provides photograph of the images. (MVL)