Optics

Dragonfly Colours: Thin-Film Interference

This demonstration uses a bubble and LED light to illustrate the concept of thin-film interference. It centres a discussion on thin-film interference in dragonflies and asks participants to consider where they see reflection and refraction in their lives. As an extension, participants may find a natural object with structural colouration, such as a bird feather, butterfly wing, or beetle exoskeleton, and drop some rubbing alcohol on top to see if there are colour changes. 

Reflection and Refraction

Learn about reflection and refraction via lasers in water.

Variable Index of Refraction

A sugar-water solution is used to create a liquid with a variable index of refraction. Participants learn about solutions, gradients, and refraction.

Polarization of Light

This demonstration explains transverse waves and some surprising properties of polarizers.

Marshmallows & the Speed of Light

This workshop uses marshmallows to teach participants about waves and to calculate the speed of light. 

Reflection & Refraction

This demonstration presents viewers with an example of reflection and refraction and describes difference between the two.

Light Fountain

This demonstration shows how light changes paths when travelling through different materials. Snell’s Law and the critical angle are explored using lasers and water. 

Hair Diffraction

Participants use a hair to show how light can interfere to produce a diffraction pattern.