Light Illusions
Working in teams, you are going to observe what happens to a pencil when you view it through an empty clear plastic cup and then what you observe when you fill the cup ¾ full of water. Ensure you observe from side to side of the plastic cup.
Let's review: What do you know about transparent materials? Are you always able to see clearly though the materials? Why/why not? Discuss these in your groups and record your understandings in your science books.
Questions to consider:
2nd experiment: What happens to a beam of light when it passes through a glass of water?
Follow the worksheet: Line of Light Planner 1, Line of Light Planner 2
Groups to share your observations with the class when completed.
Exposing the Illusion: 3 possible claims to answer what happens to a beam of light when it passes through a glass of water? Which claim do the class agree upon and why?
Let's review: What do you know about transparent materials? Are you always able to see clearly though the materials? Why/why not? Discuss these in your groups and record your understandings in your science books.
Questions to consider:
- What did you observe before the water was added?
- What did you observe after the water was added?
- What happened when you viewed the pencil directly behind the container?
- Can you think of some other objects that magnify?
- What happened when you viewed the pencil through the curved edge of the container?
- Why do you think that happened?
2nd experiment: What happens to a beam of light when it passes through a glass of water?
Follow the worksheet: Line of Light Planner 1, Line of Light Planner 2
Groups to share your observations with the class when completed.
Exposing the Illusion: 3 possible claims to answer what happens to a beam of light when it passes through a glass of water? Which claim do the class agree upon and why?