Students in 7th and 8th grade participated in a light class this fall that explored the topics of reflection, refraction, absorption and color. To start this unit, students were asked to build a “chamber” out of paper where they had to reflect the light into the pyramid.  This simulation was to show how Ancient Egyptians would get light into the pyramids without using torches or fire. 

While we explored the properties of light, we used vocabulary such as: luminous, optics, electromagnetic waves, filters and nuclear fusion. We learned about lights of different colors effecting how to see an object and about color blindness. One of our classes included learning about light waves going through different mediums.  We used a glass of water with different objects (such as a pencil, straw and chopstick) to see first hand how light is refracted.  We also did experiments with an online simulator where you can send a laser through different materials.

           

As a final exploration in our light unit, we used prisms and prism glasses to explore white light and separate it into ROY G BIV.  We discussed the light spectrum and how the waves separate into those colors.