Attempts to connect the seemingly disjointed points of view of diffraction and reflection. Light is reflected off of a metal fence, which acts as a grating. Notes that grating with zero spacing between the grating elements acts as a reflector. (MVL)

A principle is presented to show that, if the time of passage of light is expressible as a function of discrete variables, one may dispense with the more general method of the calculus of variations. The calculus of variations and the alternative are described. The phenomenon of mirage is discussed. (Author/KR)

Presents the theory behind the spots of light observed inside a balloon when it is exposed to light. Discusses the use of this phenomenon in teaching optics lessons. (JRH)

Describes a method to trace the reflection of a light ray incident on a pair of mirrors hinged together along one edge. Can be extended to ray tracing through tubes, cones, and prisms. (JRH)

Investigates the role that social mediation plays in the destabilization of preconceptions of the concept of light among primary school pupils. One experimental group participated in a teaching process which aimed to lead students to cognitive conflict. Another group was taught with traditional methods. Differences between groups in pre- and…

Explains the origin of supernumerary rainbows--the appearance of three or more rainbows in the sky at a time. (WRM)

Includes an annotated bibliography of articles featured in this journal on art, dyes, glass, pottery and ceramics, interdisciplinary courses in art and chemistry, light and color, metalwork, and music. (YDS)

Outlined is a simple design for a working wave-powered electrical generator based on one made on the BBC "Rough Science" TV series. The design has been kept deliberately simple to facilitate rapid pupil/student involvement and most importantly so that there is much scope for their own ingenuity and ideas. The generator works on the principle of…

"What starts out long but gets shorter then longer each day?" Shadows! This student's clever riddle was an opportunity to investigate how the Sun's daily position in the sky influences shadow length. Thus began a mini-lesson which was created to help third-grade students understand that a shadow occurs when an opaque object blocks light (Shapiro…

In this article, we present an overview of a suite of light and spectroscopy education materials developed as part of Project LITE (Light Inquiry Through Experiments). We also present an analysis of how introductory college astronomy students using these Project LITE materials performed on the Light and Spectroscopy Concept Inventory (LSCI)…

A simple photometer constructed from an LED and an op amp can be used to measure light in a number of physical situations. A variety of LEDs exist to investigate different wavelength ranges. Combined with an inexpensive transit, the LED photometer can be used to carry out skylight studies and atmospheric optical depth measurements. The activities…

This article illustrates how the overhead projector can be used as a light source in some peculiar ways for physics demonstrations. Five examples are included: (1) Study of chromatic aberration; (2) Making giant Newton's rings; (3) Comparison of the rate of heat absorption by different surfaces; (4) Demonstration of greenhouse effect; and (5)…

An experiment which enables students to determine the index of refraction at various wavelengths is demonstrated by using two polymers examples, poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This experiment would be suitable for a course in organic chemistry or any course discussing the optical properties of polymeric…

Describes an experiment that allows the students to verify the assumption that light travels in straight lines. (GS)

The role of spectral color slides in laboratory situations is discussed, then experiments for secondary school students concerning color and wave length, evidence of quantization, and the ionization energy of the hydrogen atom are outlined. Teaching guidelines for creating a set of spectrograms and photographic specifications are provided. (DT)