Brief Description: In this experiment, you will be comparing a reflection of yourself between in calm water and in rippled water.
Materials Needed: a bowl of water
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
[Big Idea] I can understand that energy can be transferred as both a particle and a wave.
[Content] I can learn about the properties of light, specifically on medium, wave, refraction, diffraction, interference and reflection.
[Curriculum]
I can make observations of my experiment to help me further understand the properties of light.
I can use my prior scientific knowledge to identify relationships between the conceptual understanding of the light and experiential understanding of the light.
I can communicate ideas, findings, and solutions to questions about the properties of light by using scientific language.
CHOICE 1: Reflection of Yourself in Water
STEP 1: EXPERIENCE
Grab a big bowl of water. Wait until the water is calm and then, place your hand on top of the water surface. Observe the reflection of the image in the water. Is it realistic? Is it pretty accurate to what your hand looks like in reality?
Touch the surface of the water, and quickly place your hand on top of the water surface again. Observe the reflection as the water ripples. What do you notice about the reflection of your hand in the rippled surface of the water?
STEP 2: REFLECT & SHARE
In the discussion below, please post a picture of your experiment and your answers to the following questions:
Compare the observation of your reflected hand between the calm water and the rippled water. Are there any similarities? Differences? What are the similarities and differences you've observed?
Why do you think there are similarities between the two reflected images? Explain by using terms and concepts you learned in the unit so far.
Why do you think there are differences between the two reflected images? Explain by using terms and concepts you learned in the unit so far.
If you noticed any distortion of the reflected image in the rippled water, why do you think the reflected image was distorted when the actual object (your actual hand) is not distorted in real life? Should not light be reflecting exactly what your hand looks like on the water surface? Why is it that light does not reflect your hand accurately when the water is rippled, as compared to when the water is calm?
STEP 3: DIALOGUE OF SCIENTISTS
Respond to two of your peer's posts in the discussion.
Your response can discuss:
What you found interesting about their discussion post.
What you found their experiment observations similar/different from your experiment.
Anything positive you would like to add.
CONGRATULATIONS, your mission is now completed.