Discusses the use of 40 kHz ultrasonic transducers to study wave phenomena. Determines that the resulting wavelength of 9 mm allows acoustic experiments to be performed on a tabletop. Includes transducer characteristics and activities on speed of sound, reflection, double- and single-slit diffraction, standing waves, acoustical zone plate, and…

Describes a method for capturing a real object and its real image on film. Explains many photography terms related to the experiment. (MVL)

Presents an experiment to demonstrate the diurnal and seasonal motions of the sun, which can be used in different grade levels, depending on the degree of difficulty required for the analysis, as an effort to generate student interest in the scientific method. Includes an activity to teach students elementary concepts of the sun's apparent motion…

Provides directions for building a comparatively inexpensive device that detects and displays images of infrared light sources. Includes typical costs for the components, an artist's sketch of the finished product, and suggestions for adjustments and image recordings. (JJK)

The background and history of light and fiber optics are discussed. Applications for light passed either directly or indirectly through optical fibers are described. Suggestions for science activities that use fiber optics are provided. (KR)

Presents an experiment based on the principles of rectilinear motion of light operating in a pinhole camera that projects the image of an illuminated object through a small hole in a sheet to an image screen. (MDH)

Presents two demonstrations to compare the differences between the screen reproductions of a bulb when using a converging lens and a pinhole and how that reproduction image reaches the observer's eye from multiple vantage points. (MDH)

Presents simple experiments to study the basic properties of light utilizing a flashlight, small mirrors, a magnifying lens, a plastic comb, paper and pencil, and a pair of eyeglasses. (JJK)

Provides a basic introduction to fluorescence enabling the amateur scientist to easily, and safely, demonstrate and photograph this phenomenon with the aid of an ultraviolet lamp. Includes a list of necessary equipment and materials, as well as catalog availability from several hardware suppliers. (JJK)

Equipped with a plastic film can and a pin, students can gain a better understanding of chromatic aberrations and inner eye phenomena, light, lenses, pinholes, shadows, and ray diagrams. (ZWH)

Introduces a new sign convention for the object and image distances involving mirrors and lenses. Proposes that the method is easier for students to understand and remember and that it helps clarify the physics concepts involved. (MDH)

Presents and explains motion illusions that show how the eye and mind can fool the viewer into seeing or interpreting information that is different from the actual images presented. (PR)

Presents scientific explanations of primary colors and color mixing, black and white surfaces, the spectrum and the ability of the eye to distinguish color difference, the description of color, and the appearance and optical properties of metals. Contains 16 references. (Author)

Describes an experiment in which two semi-transparent reticles and a photographic plate separated by several centimeters are illuminated by a monochromatic point source in a typical in-line configuration that results in a hologram that contains information from both reticles. (Author/WRM)

Within the overall STTIS (Science Teacher Training in an Information Society) framework, this paper focuses on transformations of innovative teaching of optics, following a recommended change of approach to optics in the French curriculum. The empirical investigation of how teachers responded to this change, the main results of which are briefly…