Light is made up of wavelengths of light, and each wavelength is a particular colour. The colour we see is a result of which wavelengths are reflected back to our eyes. Visible light Visible ...
If there is no light, there is no sight – explore our resources and learn more about the basics of light, how we see and how we perceive the world around us. The research work of three scientists ...
Refraction is the bending of light (it also happens with sound, water and other waves) as it passes from one transparent substance into another. This bending by refraction makes it possible for ...
Reflection is when light bounces off an object. If the surface is smooth and shiny, like glass, water or polished metal, the light will reflect at the same angle as it hit the surface. This is ...
When children draw pictures of the Sun, they often show rays radiating outwards – similar to the image below. These light rays travel in a straight line at nearly 300,000 kilometres per second ...
The Earth’s atmosphere blocks most of the Sun’s UV radiation from penetrating through the atmosphere. The small amount that gets through has both positive and negative effects. Positive ...
This interactive looks at the electromagnetic spectrum. To use this interactive, move your mouse or finger over any of the labelled boxes and select to obtain more information. Select here for a ...
The human eye is a sense organ adapted to allow vision by reacting to light. The cornea and the crystalline lens are both important for the eye to focus light. The eye focuses light in a similar ...
Light is a form of energy produced by a light source. Light is made of photons that travel very fast. Photons of light behave like both waves and particles. Light sources Something that produces ...
Use this interactive to label different parts of the human eye. Drag and drop the text labels onto the boxes next to the diagram. Selecting or hovering over a box will highlight each area in the ...
There are a variety of ways we put ultraviolet (UV) radiation to good use. Our skin and UV When we expose our skin to UVB, it stimulates the production of vitamin D, which our bodies need. Window ...
Seeing with two eyes helps people to judge distances and to see in 3D, but even using one eye, there are many clues (often referred to as visual cues) to give people depth perception. Depth ...
Vitamin D plays an important role in our bodies: It improves general health. It promotes the formation and strengthening of bones (a deficiency will cause bone softening diseases, which then ...
The human eye contains structures that allow it to perceive light, movement and colour differences. In this activity, students use online or paper resources to identity and label the main parts ...
This timeline provides a look at some of the key advances in ideas about light, how we see and how we perceive the world around us. 400 BC – Emission theory of vision Greek philosopher and ...
Are you looking for ways to teach forces? If you’re new to the Science Learning Hub, you may want to start with our introductory video on teaching physics. Help, I’m teaching physics Discover ...
The video shows a hand making longitudinal and transverse waves on a slinky. The audio describes longitudinal and transverse wave characteristics.
Visible light is the small part within the electromagnetic spectrum that human eyes are sensitive to and can detect. Visible light waves consist of different wavelengths. The colour of visible ...
Glow-worms are New Zealand’s underground stars. Small but bright, it is no wonder why they attract so many tourists to places such as Waitomo and Paparoa National Park. Living things often have a ...
The human eye is a sense organ adapted to allow vision by reacting to light. The eye contains structures that allow it to perceive light, movement and colour differences. Eye structure ...
In this set of investigations, students explore objects made from materials that are transparent, translucent and opaque and the effect this has on their shadows. The investigations are designed ...
In this activity, students aim spears at a model of a fish in a container of water. When they move their spears towards the fish, they miss! This activity investigates refraction. By the end of ...
In this activity, students participate in an interactive ‘true or false’ activity that highlights common alternative conceptions about light and sight. This activity can be done individually, in ...
In this activity, students use scientific models and exploration to observe the position of the Sun and its physical effect on light and shadows. The activities are designed for students working ...
