Activity 1 – How does light travel?

Directions: Secure the materials listed below and follow the given instructions. Answer the guide
questions that follow.

What you need:

 3 index cards (1/2 or ¼ size) or cardboards
 small piece of modeling clay
 flashlight
 puncher
 ruler

What to do:

1. For each index card or cardboard, use a ruler to draw lines connecting opposite corners of
the card.

2. Mark the intersection of the two lines and punch a hole at the center of the index cards.

3. For each card, use a small piece of modeling clay and place the card into the clay to
create a “stand” for the card. Place the cards so that they stand vertically and at an equal
distance from each other.

4. Place the flashlight at one end of the row of index cards and turn off the light in the room.

5. Arrange the index cards or cardboards so that light can be seen through all the holes.

6. Record your observations.

Guide Questions:
1. How can light be seen through all the index cards?
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2. What would happen if the second index card from the flashlight is not aligned?
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3. What does the activity prove about the path of light as it travels?
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Activity 3: What happens to the light when it hits a surface?

Directions: Secure the materials listed below and follow the given instructions. Answer the guide
questions that follow.

What you need:

 3 index cards (1/2 or ¼ size) or cardboards
 small piece of modeling clay
 flashlight
 puncher
 ruler

What to do:
1. You must use a dark or dim room in your house to properly observe light in the activity.
2. Place the mirror in an upright position on the table.
3. Turn on the laser/flashlight and aimed it at the mirror.
4. Observe the ray of light that hits the mirror.

5. Repeat the same procedure. Replace the mirror using the transparent glass with water.
 6. Observe what happens to ray of light as it strikes the transparent glass with water.

Guide Questions:
1. What happened to the ray of light when it hit the surface of the mirror?
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2. What do you think this behavior or property of light called?

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3. What happened to the ray of light when it was aimed at the transparent glass with water?
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4. What did you observe of the light that passed through the glass of water?
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5. What do you think this behavior or property of light called?

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