Kids Like Optics

Kids Like Optics
Dan Hull

About a month ago I visited Regents School in Austin where my grand daughters attend. I presented demonstrations on optics and lasers to five, fourth-grade classes and one second-grade class. I brought a red and a green laser pointer, a white light source, slit, prism, lenses, color filters, mirrors and a model of the eye. We observed light sources, spectra, diffraction, spectral filtering, diffuse and specular reflections and a laser beam bouncing off of multiple mirrors in a mist (no chalk dust anymore). We also talked about solid state lighting, laser applications and the lunar eclipse that was to occur that evening.
I was absolutely amazed at the interest level of the students and the curious, thoughtful questions they asked. I hope their interest in science will remain and grow.
Here is a sample of the cards I received last week. More are coming.