 One of my favorite science museums in the world is the Exploratorium in San Francisco. |
They have been very generous and posted what they call snacks that feature simpler ways of creating many of the displays you’ll find at their fabulous museum.
I would like to share a few with you that focus on the topic of light. |
Bird in a Cage – an afterimage activity. You stare at the image and when the background changes to white you see a bird that’s a different color.
What if you draw a picture and reverse the colors to create the same effect? Hints: It helps to create a smaller picture so you can focus easily. It helps if you put a dot or other focus point near the middle so you can stare in one place. It helps if you make the colors intense, not pale.
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I created a different illusion for a bird and posted it as a freebie at Teachers Pay Teachers.
You tape a piece of folded paper to a straw or pencil and when you spin the paper it looks like the bird is inside the cage. Your brain remembers what it sees for a fraction of a second and that’s what makes this illusion work. |
What if you change the size or shape of the card? What if you change the spot to a different shape, size, or color? This activity and more are featured in a blog I posted in 2017
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Hole in your Hand
What if you: change the angle of the tube toward and away from your hand? change the hand that holds the tube? use a longer or shorter tube? use a wider or narrower tube? does this work with a straw?Â
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Challenge: Soda Can Mirror – this is a challenge because of the soda can needed
More resources to consider that were posted in a blog after I presented at the Oregon Science Teachers’ Association conference
Here’s another one I found you should try. Got some milk cartons at home? A pair of scissors? This could be great to share with family members using FaceTime or Skype.
https://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/far-out-corners