Young Space Explorers

Bending Light Activity

 


INTRODUCTION:

This activity is one of several designed to explore some of the properties of light.

Light is very important in our lives. We need it to see. The light from the Sun also provides warmth and allows plants to grow. Light is also very important in studying the objects in the night sky. We can't visit the stars, but we can use their light to study them.


MATERIALS:

You will need:

1. a clear glass (may be plastic) with plain, straight sides

2. a spoon or straw

3. some water for the glass


INSTRUCTIONS:

These activities work best in a darkened room so that you can see how the light behaves.

1. Bending light. Place the spoon or straw in the empty glass. What do you see?

2. Pour water into the glass. Now what do you see? The water in the glass bends the light, making the spoon or straw look like it is broken!


THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

1. We use light every day, bouncing and bending it with various household items. You can find some of these things and decide if they bounce or bend light: