Learning outcomes:

During the Museum's school program "Looking at Light", your students will discover why we can see and how lenses are used in optical devices.

After attending this lesson, your students will:

• realize that visible light is energy from the Sun.
• recognize various characteristics of light such as reflection and refraction.
• understand the difference between concave and convex lenses, and also the meaning of focal point.
• know that white light is composed of different wave lengths, and that it splits into a spectrum of colour when passed through a prism.
• be aware that our visual perception can be tricked by optical illusions.

Provinces' Curriculum Links:

B.C.
Alb.
Sask.
Ont.
Que.
Atlantic provinces
Nfld.

During Your Visit

Several important properties of light will be explained through demonstrations involving volunteers from the class. Students will explore lenses and may visit the observatory to see our refracting telescope. They will produce white light from its components, and discover its additive properties. Ultraviolet light and laser light may be explained and demonstrated. In the Museum, the students may view various lighting artifacts and examine optical illusions and light displays.

Go back to Looking at Light

For more information contact mhauser@technomuses.ca

Questions about school programs should be sent to scorbeil@technomuses.ca.