To further a third grade class's understanding of how light bends, do a demonstration using either a prism or water. Various materials bend light beams, creating various effects. Bending light is one of the basic science skills taught in elementary school. Once the third graders understand how light bends, they can understand how magnifying glasses, eyes and eyeglass lenses function. It also helps with the study of the various spectra, such as ultra-violet and white light.
Things You'll Need
Clear glass bottle with lid
Laser pointer
Prism
Flashlight
Show More
Instructions
Water
1
Use a clear, undecorated glass bottle.
Fill the glass bottle halfway with water. Screw on the lid.
2
The laser pointer light shows up against a tan or white wall.
Set the bottle six inches away from a wall.
3
Do not let the students play wih the laser pointer.
Hold the laser pointer up to the side of the bottle. Turn it on so the beam points at the water. The light will show up on the wall at an angle from the laser pointer.
Prism
4
A prism resembles a pyramid and can vary in length.
Set the prism upright on a flat surface.
5
Third grade students can use flashlights with supervision.
Turn on the flashlight.
6
The light going through the prism turns into a rainbow.
Hold the light against one side of the prism. The light shines through the other side and bends.