Describes a simple experimental setup in which the student can detect and record light spectra, study and test the concept of Bragg reflection, and measure the anisotropy of the index of refraction in a cholesteric liquid crystal. (MLH)

Presents a demonstration to show the formation of images in the retina in normal vision, in farsightedness, and in nearsightedness using only a 35mm slide projector. (MKR)

Describes several demonstrations that feature interaction of light with soap bubbles. Includes directions about how to produce a long-lasting stationary soap bubble with an easily changeable size and describes the interaction of white light with the bubble. (DDR)

Presents an activity that teaches students about the properties of light by using a real-life situation as the basis of a science writing exercise. (JRH)

Presents a range of experiments in heat conduction suitable for upper-level undergraduate laboratories that make use of heat sensitive liquid crystal film to measure temperature contours. Includes experiments mathematically described by Laplace's equation, experiments theoretically described by Poisson's equation, and experiments that involve…

Investigates students' changes in conception about diffused shadows during Nussbaum and Novick's suggested sequence of teaching. Reports that (a) students'"entering" ideas were unstable, (b) language and materialistic views of light influenced students' ideas, (c) students' ideas were influenced by group concepts of the nature of light,…

Provides classroom activities centered around how the electromagnetic spectrum yields vital insights about the evolution of the universe. Activities targeted for grade levels 6-12 illustrate the importance of light and color in space exploration. Includes a poster. (Author/SOE)

Presents an historical timeline and related activities that illustrate the importance of the electromagnetic spectrum in providing clues about the evolution of the universe. (Author/SOE)

Describes an experiment that introduces students to the different types of UV rays and their effects on living things by using appropriate teaching materials and equipment. Demonstrates the effects of exposure to UV-B (fluorescent) and UV-C (germicidal) lamps by using bananas, duckweed, and the fruit fly. (Contains 14 references.) (Author/YDS)

This article describes the basic physics of several types of holograms and discusses different recording materials in use. Current and possible future applications of holograms are described as well as their large-scale production. (Author)

Discusses the nature, resolution, focal length, and angle of a pinhole camera. Describes the development and some applications of the camera. Nineteen references are listed. (YP)

Children and adults were tested on their beliefs about whether visual processes involved intromissions (visual input) or extramissions (visual output) across a variety of situations. Results were inconsistent with the idea that simple experiences increase or reinforce a coherent theory of vision and have implications for understanding the nature…

Describes a convenient method of displaying color effects (colors of the blue sky, white clouds, and red sunsets) of Rayleigh and Mie scattering. (ZWH)

Describes several demonstrations that can be easily reproduced to help students understand optical polarization. Displays and supplement text include polarization by reflection; polarization by scattering; liquid crystals; optical activity; calcite; birefringent plastics; retardation plates; photoelasticity; and the "Optical Barber…

Uses an air track and microwave transmitters and receivers to make a Michelson interferometer. Includes three experiments: (1) measuring the wavelength of microwaves, (2) measuring the wavelength of microwaves by using the Doppler Effect, and (3) measuring the Doppler shift. (MVL)