Light Refraction with Water
Observe how light bends when passing through water
The exploratory setup shows to children how light behavior changes when it moves through different substances.
What you need
- A glass of water
- A pencil or straw
- A piece of paper
Instructions
- Fill a glass with water
- Place a pencil or straw in the water at an angle
- Look at the pencil through the side of the glass
- Observe how the pencil appears broken or bent at the water line
- Try moving the pencil to different angles and observe the changes
How it works
Light travels at different speeds through air and water. When light passes from one medium to another, it bends (refracts), making the pencil appear broken.