From Algodoo

[edit] REFLECTION AND REFRACTION

Target	Teacher: Key Stage 3 This lesson plan is not intended to be handed out to students but to be used as a teacher preparation and tutorial.
Time frame	30-60 min

[edit] Description

In this lesson students investigate reflection and refraction of light. By altering the angle of incidence the refraction and reflection of a glass object is investigated, including total reflection. Index of refraction can easily be changed and its effect immediately investigated. An optical fibre can easily be created and its influence on light of different colors can be explored.

[edit] Learning objectives

• Have a basic understanding of reflection and refraction.
• Understand that different indices of refraction influences light differently.
• Have an understanding of how to make a parallel displacement of a light beam.
• Have an understanding of when total reflection occurs.
• Have an understanding of how light can travel in an optical fiber.

[edit] In class

Discuss how different materials affect a beam of light. Discuss how a beam of light can be reflected, refracted and absorbed. What is total reflection? Discuss how this can be visualized and explored in Algodoo using the Classmate PC. 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.

Create a scene

Create glass blocks by using the rectangle tool.

Make a prediction

How will the glass influence the laser beam?

Run/Interact

Point a laser beam towards the glass blocks. Rotate the laser to change the angle of incidence. Change the index of refraction.

Evaluate

How does a high index of refraction affect the light compared to a low index of refraction? Find an angle of total reflection when all the light reflects and none transmits. What happens when the light source is inside the glass?

Revise scene

Create a optical fiber of glass by using the brush tool. Use a laser with red light as a light source.

Make a prediction

Can the optical fiber have any shape? Do all colors of light work?

Run/Interact

Point a laser beam towards the optical fiber. Rotate the laser to change the angle of incidence.

Evaluate