EARTH SCIENCE LAB ACTIVITY
REFLECTION AND REFRACTION OF LIGHT
MR. MARINELLI
LEADER: ____________________________
REPORTER: ____________________________
COLLECTOR: _________________________
RECORDER: ____________________________
I.
THE BIG QUESTION: WHAT ARE THE MAJOR PROPERTIES OF LIGHT?
(In your lab report, copy the Big Question before going to step II.)
II.
HYPOTHESIS: (In your lab report, write your predicted answer to the Big Question above in a complete sentence
before going to step III).
III.
MATERIALS: (In your lab report, write a numbered list of materials needed for the lab activity before going to step
IV.) The group collector is to obtain the following supplies from the black bookcase: two magnifying glasses.
IV.
PROCEDURE AND DATA:
A. The group reporter is to take the two magnifying glasses and hold one in each hand. Then, hold the two magnifying
glasses in front of your face. You should be able to look through both magnifying glasses at the same time.
B.
The group reporter is to move the magnifying glasses back and forth until he/she sees a clear image of an object across
the room.
C.
Each group member is to try steps #A and #B.
D.
The group is to discuss the following questions, and then the group recorder is to write down the group’s answers to the
questions in the DATA section. (In your lab report, fill in the same data using the format below before going to
the next step.)
• What looks unique about looking at an object through the two magnifying glasses?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Is using the magnifying glasses an example of reflection or refraction? _____________________________________
E.
The group collector is to return the magnifying glasses to the black bookcase and then collect a flashlight and a mirror.
F.
The group recorder is to shine the flashlight at the mirror, which should be tilted towards the ceiling.
G.
The group recorder is to change the angle of the tilted mirror. Notice what happens to the light!
H.
Each group member is to try steps #F and #G. Again, notice what happens to the light when the angle of the tilted
mirror is changed!
I.
The group is to discuss the following questions, and then the group recorder is to write down the group’s answers to the
questions in the DATA section. (In your lab report, fill in the same data using the format below before going to
the next step.)
• What is unique about light when it is shined on a mirror?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
• Is the light on the mirror an example of reflection or refraction? __________________________________________
V.
RESULTS: (In your lab report, give an explanation of what happened during the experiment using complete
sentences. Use the DATA to describe what you learned from the experiment before going to step VI.)
VI.
CONCLUSIONS: (In your lab report, tell me if your hypothesis was true or false using complete sentences. Use the
RESULTS to support your answer.)