Brief Description: In this experiment, you will be observing a pencil in a glass of water and how light behaves at different angles.
Materials Needed: two pencils, two drinking glasses, and water
Concepts in this experiment: light, medium, wave, refraction, diffraction, interference, reflection
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 the experiential understanding of the light.
I can communicate ideas, findings, and solutions to questions about the properties of light by using scientific language.
CHOICE 2: Pencil in a Glass of Water
STEP 1: EXPERIENCE
Place each pencil into each glass. Next, pour water into one of the glasses and see how the image of the pencil changes as it fills up with water. Observe the differences and similarity between the two glasses.
STEP 2: REFLECT & SHARE
In the discussion below, please post a picture of your experiment and your answers to the following questions:
What are the similarity and differences between the images of a pencil of two glasses?
What do you think is causing the similarity? Why do the two pencils look similar?
What do you think is causing the differences? Why do the two pencils look different? Explain using concepts and terminology we learned in the unit so far. (hint: it'something to do with refraction, speed, and angles)
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.