Describes a system that demonstrates how a color may be generated and specified in mathematical terms. Illustrates the mixing of primary colors as well as the concepts of saturation, luminance, and illumination. (JRH)

From prehistoric times people have been fascinated with color; from cave paintings to the latest computers, color has been a constant companion. Textiles and craft items are made more beautiful by the alteration or application of colorants. This teaching resource investigates dyes obtained from natural sources, such as plants and animals. These…

Several activities related to color are discussed. These include placing different colors on a disk which, while spinning, appears to be white. Also discusses complementary and primary colors. (JN)

Contrary to popular belief, plants are very much in tune and in time with their immediate environment. The most important environmental cues for plants are light and gravity. In this article, the authors discuss the effects of light on plant development and use the spores of the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) in laboratory exercises to…

Science and art have much in common. Artists as well as scientists carefully observe and communicate their subjects. Throughout time, artists have been involved in experimentation, an important scientific method which can lead to new discoveries. Both scientific developments and the ongoing history of art are cumulative. This learning packet is an…

Reports on the colors observed during titrations of 15 natural indicators obtained from common fruits and vegetables. These edible indicators can be used for a variety of teacher demonstrations or for simple student experiments. (JN)

A simple device used to demonstrate the main features of primary color addition is described. Materials needed to construct the device, procedures used, and typical results are discussed. (JN)

Describes an experiment enabling students to apply concept of diffraction, determine limits of their color perception, learn how to measure wavelength with a simple apparatus, observe continuous and line spectra, and associate colors with corresponding wavelengths. The homemade diffraction-grating spectrometer used is easily constructed. (JN)

Students explore three-dimensional properties by creating red and green wall decorations related to Christmas. Students examine why images seem to vibrate when red and green pieces are small and close together. Instructions to conduct the activity and construct 3-D glasses are given. (MDH)

In this article the effect of light quality on the size of the photosystem II (PSII) light harvesting complex (LHCII) is studied by measuring the chlorophyll fluorescence emitted by leaf sections of oat ("Avena sativa," var. Prevision) plants previously treated with either white light or with light filtered through blue, green, red or farred…

Information related to the history of optics with emphasis on the classical and medieval periods is presented. Notes are included on experiments dealing with refraction at a plane interface between two media; refraction by transparent spheres; light, color, and reflection by transparent spheres. (Author/SA)

The life and work of Isaac Newton and his investigations of light and color are described in detail. Notes include preliminary observations of chromatic dispersion; dispersion by an equilateral prism; the "Experimentum Crucos" or the composite nature of white light; the nature of colored light and illumination; transmissions and…

Describes how color graphics are built up on microcomputer displays and how a range of colors can be produced. Discusses the logic of color formation, noting that adding/subtracting color can be conveniently demonstrated. Color generating techniques in physics (resistor color coding and continuous spectrum production) are given with program…

Describes: the chemical history of a pencil; a simple solar camera for measuring the sun's diameter; the experimental comparison of the thermal stability of metal carbonates; and the introduction of the concept of weight as a force to young children. A computer program listing on color mixing is also provided. (JN)

Provides information regarding the extra bands of color, termed supernumerary arcs, that sometimes accompany a natural rainbow. Several experiments are described that elucidate the phenomenon of supernumerary arcs, involving the illumination of a hanging water droplet with white light from a projector or monochromatic light from a helium-neon…