Discusses the use of shadows to explain such scientific phenomena as umbra and penumbra, eclipses, day and night, seasons, and length of day. Indicates that shadow plays can serve to help the students in understanding more about light. (CC)

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)

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)

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