“Waterfall” Light Beam

“Waterfall” Light Beam Lesson Video:

Lesson Materials:

*You can use the document in the link below to either: tailor the experiment to your needs or to have a printable version of this lesson plan*

Google Doc of “Waterfall” Light Beam Lesson Plan

The plan is editable and printable. Copy the Google Doc in your own drive and make edits or you can just print.

Overview:

The students will learn how light travels, especially through a liquid medium which in this case is food-colored water. They will be able to experiment with different variables and visually see a captivating reaction.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Create a light beam using basic household items
  2. Test different variables and analyze the effects
  3. Observe the different light beams that can be created

Alignment with NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards)

1-PS4-3.Plan and conduct investigations to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light.
1-PS4-2.Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.

Materials Needed:

  • Clear plastic bottle (poke a hole through the cap for best results)
  • Water
  • Food coloring (blue and red show best)
  • A flashlight
  • Pre-Cut Aluminum Foil
  • Tape
  • A clear container for the “waterfall” to fall into
  • Towles for any water spills

Logistics:

STEAM Subjects: 

Science (Chemistry) and Art

Science Vocabulary: 

Light refraction, bending/movement

Time: 

5-10 min

Special Thank You to Our Funding From:

CSUCI Faculty MiniGrant Program