mirror lesson

Control Light with Reflection-

Instructional Objectives-Students will learn how do direct light from reflective surfaces to specific targets, and to measure angles of reflection
Time Required-45 minutes
Advanced Preparation and prerequisite knowledge/skills-Review what reflection is, and prepare a simple explanation/definition. Copies of student handout-one per student...better than just "group".
Materials-at least two mirrors per team,protractors, penlights,laser(s) (best to have one per team of 4, although an interesting challenge is to set up a a reflection maze.... where angles and measurement are the main challenge.... and then a strong narrow light source=laser, is bounced through the maze.)Consider using this activity, or making it a Home Challenge.

Procedures-
The solar heated house was a good example of "passive" solar energy uses. The light entered a window, and the insulated structure kept the energy inside. This activity builds understanding and skills in how to move the energy from once place to another. The big idea in Applied Science, is that students will figure out how to use reflection and planned angles of delivery to create light/heat hotspots for cooking in their solar ovens.

1. Organize the students into teams.... 2-4 depending on your available materials and preference for groups.
2. Pass out the worksheets and set first challenge- Send (reflect) light from once place to another, and measure the angles that make it work= so that another team can set up the same way, and when a light is directed by the measurements, the light energy will be sent to the target.
3. As a closing activity (or a 5 minute startup if you are open to a bit of friendly chaos) try to send a laser light around the room..... hitting every mirror until it gets back to the front. This might not work for many classes, but it's fun to try, and clearly points out why precise measurements and designs are needed for complicated energy transfers!