Mirrors
From Algodoo
Mirrors
| Language: | English |
|---|---|
| Description: | In this lesson students investigate the reflection of mirrors to direct light. They build devices that send light in different directions, for example a periscope. |
| Target: | Key Stage 2 |
| Category: | Exercise, Laboratory |
| Discipline: | Optics |
| Learning objectives: |
To explore the effects of mirrors on the passage of light. Understand how a periscope works. To explore a simple optical labyrinth. |
| In class: | Discuss what tools that helps us see better. Put up the suggestions on the board, for example glasses, binoculars, telescopes. Discuss what these tools do. Discuss if there are times when these tools do not help. Let the students give suggestions on how it is possible to see and shine light around corners.
Discuss how this can be visualized and explored in Algodoo. Let the students create scenes in Algodoo using the suggestions you came up with together or let them use their own ideas. Help the students make decisions and ask guiding questions. Encourage the students to follow the procedure Create – Predict – Interact – Evaluate. Allow the students to follow-up and share their experiences in class after the simulation. |
Steps in Algodoo
Create a scene
Create a periscope. Mirrors are modelled by setting index of refraction to infinity. Use for example two lasers of different colors to represent the object that is observed through the periscope.
Make a prediction
What angle should the mirrors have?
Will the picture appear upside down?
Run/Interact
Rotate mirrors to see what happens to the light beams. Rotate lasers to see what happens to the beam.
Evaluate
How does the angle between the light beam and the mirror affect the reflected light beam?
Revise scene
Create a laser labyrinth with a starting point and an end point using for example the brush tool. Put a laser at the starting point. Set the fading distance of the laser to
maximum.
Make a prediction
How can the laser beam be guided through the labyrinth?
Run/Interact
Put mirrors in the labyrinth in order to guide the laser beam through the labyrinth. Use for example the brush tool to make the mirrors and set the index of refraction to infinity. Rotate and move mirrors for guiding.
Evaluate
Based on your solution to the labyrinth, is it possible to use fewer mirrors?
