Detail Page
Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses
written by
Rebecca E. Vieyra
sub author: Caroline Hall
This lesson blends physics, geometric optics, and biology as students explore light refraction through convex and concave "lenses" made of clear gelatin. Set-up in the classroom is simple, requiring only cardboard, a flashlight, and laser pointers of three different colors. The activity promotes understanding of four key concepts: 1) convex lenses cause light to converge, while concave lenses cause light divergence; 2) Focal length can be easily determined from the convergence point of a convex lens; 3) Ray diagrams provide a geometric way to depict the path of light through a transparent object; and 4) The malleable gelatin lenses can model the function of the human eye, which is able to change the shape of the crystalline lens to adjust vision for near and far objects.
This AAPT Lesson Plan was inspired by two articles in The Physics Teacher magazine: "Edible Optics: Using Gelatin to Demonstrate Properties of Light" by Patrick Bunton, and "Construction of Optical Elements with Gelatin" by Mario Branca and Isabella Soletta.
Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses
by R. Vieyra and C. Hall download 512kb .pdf Published: January 8, 2017 Released under a CC Noncommercial-Share Alike license. previous versions
Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses
by R. Vieyra and C. Hall Teacher's Guide: Modifiable Word document: Customize and Print Your Lesson download 4873kb .docx Published: October 10, 2017 Released under a CC Noncommercial-Share Alike license.
Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses
by R. Vieyra and C. Hall Student Worksheet: Modifiable Word document Background information and problem set download 4230kb .docx Published: October 10, 2017 Released under a CC Noncommercial-Share Alike license.
Next Generation Science StandardsWaves and Their Applications in Technologies for Information Transfer (HS-PS4)
Students who demonstrate understanding can: (9-12)
Disciplinary Core Ideas (K-12)
Wave Properties (PS4.A)
Electromagnetic Radiation (PS4.B)
Crosscutting Concepts (K-12)
Patterns (K-12)
Structure and Function (K-12)
NGSS Science and Engineering Practices (K-12)
Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions (K-12)
Developing and Using Models (K-12)
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information (K-12)
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Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=14298">Vieyra, Rebecca E.. "Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses." 2017.</a>
AIP Format
R. Vieyra, , 2016, WWW Document, (https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649).
AJP/PRST-PER
R. Vieyra, Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses, 2016, <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649>.
APA Format
Vieyra, R. (2016). Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses. Retrieved December 2, 2024, from https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649
Chicago Format
Vieyra, Rebecca E.. "Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses." 2017. https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649 (accessed 2 December 2024).
MLA Format
Vieyra, Rebecca E.. Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses. 2016. 2 Dec. 2024 <https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649>.
BibTeX Export Format
@techreport{
Author = "Rebecca E. Vieyra",
Title = {Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses},
Month = {January},
Year = {2017}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Rebecca E. Vieyra %T Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses %D January 8, 2017 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649 %O application/pdf
EndNote Export Format
%0 Report %A Vieyra, Rebecca E. %D January 8, 2017 %T Lens Science: Exploring Light with Gelatin Lenses %8 January 8, 2017 %U https://www.compadre.org/Repository/document/ServeFile.cfm?ID=14298&DocID=4649 Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. |