Reflecting Light

We have investigated two questions in our science work. One question we had was about colour and if different colours were easier to see in low light. We know that without light we can not see. We wondered if we put different colour and types of paper inside boxes and cut a tiny peep hole in the box to see if some colours were easier to see than others.




We found that the shiny, sparkly (reflecting) papers, like foil etc were easy to see as the light bounced off them. We also noticed that dark colours on light and light colours on dark were easier to see. We talked about contrast and decided that lots of things like books are easier to read when print contrasts with the background colour.

To investigate reflection more we decided to play with mirrors one afternoon. With our thinking partners we took two mirrors and observed the light from the objects reflecting from one to the other, making a repeating image (to our eyes). We discussed the amazing phenomena of light our sight, that all images are reflected light bouncing off objects and traveling to our eyes. We did talk about colour too but this scientific concept is quite advanced, however, some children understood this.

Reflecting light to the ceiling, even through the classroom window (refraction).

We made some amazing discoveries and had lots of fun. We also realised that we (humans) get the best show in the world, we looked at how other animals see and what other light spectrums would look like. We all agreed that we are very fortunate to not only sense our world but to sense it in such a vibrant and amazing way.

Look at different lights on the electromagnetic light spectrum.

http://www.chromoscope.net/

How a dog sees etc.http://www.sciencealert.com/how-dogs-see-the-world-compared-to-humans