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Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Reflected Light

How does light help us see things?



  • Light must have a source (Sun, flashlight, lamp, etc.) for us to see anything!
  • Light can be reflectedReflection means to bounce off an object.
  • The reflection of light on an object is what allows us to see an object.
  • The reflected light enters your eye and an image of the object forms at the back of your eye. This image is sent to your brain and then you see the image of the object.
  • Reflected Light makes it possible to see yourself in a mirror.





Activity

  • Have children use a mirror to see their reflection.
  • Have them wink their right eye. Ask: "Which eye in the mirror winked?" (left eye).
  • Have them wave their right hand. Ask: "Which hand in the mirror waved?" (left hand).
  • Have them hold up a book, piece of paper with their name, or other writing in front of the mirror. Ask the children how the writing looked.
  • Help the children understand that the image is always reversed.
  • Ask the children if they can think of any other times that they saw their reflection other than using a mirror. ( Possible answers: in a clear, calm pool of water, on a glass door, on the side of a shiny toaster, in a spoon, on a television screen, etc. ) 
  • Ask the children what all these things have in common?  (They all are smooth flat surfaces.)  
        Smooth, flat surfaces reflect light best!

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