The Light and Shadow Workshop uses basic tools -- mirrors, lenses, and flashlights -- as the basis for explorations that can help build an intuitive understanding of how light works.
Why explore light? Light is a fundamental and familiar part of the world and yet exploring how light acts can lead to many surprises. Exploring how light interacts with different objects starts to build an understanding of the physics of light. Looking at how light travels and reflects, and how shadows work, brings…
Show moreThe Light and Shadow Workshop uses basic tools -- mirrors, lenses, and flashlights -- as the basis for explorations that can help build an intuitive understanding of how light works.
Why explore light? Light is a fundamental and familiar part of the world and yet exploring how light acts can lead to many surprises. Exploring how light interacts with different objects starts to build an understanding of the physics of light. Looking at how light travels and reflects, and how shadows work, brings up mathematical and geometrical concepts including symmetry in approachable ways.
Designed for out-of-school-time educators, the workshop is easily adaptable to other educational settings. The Light and Shadow activities also work well for remote learning, since most materials are readily available or can be supplied in a teaching kit.
