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Exploring the science of light can be an adventure for kids of every age. Working with incredible volunteers, we have pulled together video tutorials along with educational materials that can help families explore light together.

Optics Immersion Series with Ambassadors

Reflection: All Morphed Up - Art and light
Explore how reflection changes images and bends light and color with Ambassador Claire McLellan, Ph.D. (She / Her / Hers).

Optics at Home with Judy Donnelly & Nancy Magnani

These webinars will include activities and experiments you can do with materials you can find around your home. Check out the parent-teacher guides for additional information and materials you will need to gather for each. 

Fall 2020 Laser Series

Things That Glow: Fluorescence and Phosphorescence
Where does light come from? How are glow-in-the-dark toys related to lasers? View the parent-teacher guide.

Lasers and Flashlights
How does the light from a laser differ from a flashlight? Learn how lasers make light, and what makes that light unique. View the parent-teacher guide.

What Can You Do with a Laser? – Diameter of a hair​
What can you do with a laser at home? Tease a cat, of course, but can you use it to measure something really small? View the parent-teacher guide. 

What Else Can You Do With a Laser? – See Your Pulse and Light Painting
What else can you do with a laser at home? How about watch your heart beat? Can you make an artistic photo with a laser (or LED)? View the parent-teacher guide.

 

Spring 2020 Light Series

Click here for answers to questions from the Optics Magic Spring Series.

Colors of Light
What are the colors that make up white light? Are they always a rainbow? Make a rainbow and an instrument to study the colors of light around you. View the parent-teacher guide.


Light & Shadows
Explore how light travels and use what you have learned to make a pinhole viewer! View the parent-teacher guide.


Reflecting on Light
What reflects light? Can you predict the path of reflected light? Learn more about light and apply what you have learned about the behavior of light to make a rule. View the parent-teacher guide.


Twisting Light
Learn what polarized light is and how it behaves. View the parent-teacher guide.

 

 

Image for keeping the session alive