Light and Optical Systems

Topic 1 What is Light?

• Optics for Kids Explore the basic concepts about light, and optics.

Topic 2 Reflection

• Concave Mirrors-Real Images
• Concave Mirrors-Virtual Images
• Convex Mirrors-Virtual Images

Topic 5 Lenses and Vision

• Simple Magnification A magnifying glass is a bi-convex lens. It is convex on both sides, meaning that the glass is curved outward to form a dome. Things look bigger looking through convex lenses.
• Microscope Magnification
• How Animals See The World - infographic

Topic 6 Extending Human Vision

• Microscope Magnification A microscope is a tool used by scientists to make things appear larger than they really are. This site allows you to look at a variety of specimens using different magnifications.
• How Cameras Work Cameras combine optical, chemical and mechanical processes in a simple, yet amazing device. Get inside a single lens reflex camera.
• How Night Vision Works Learn how night-vision goggles work.

Topic 7 The Source of Colours

• Primary Additive Colours Java Tutorial
• Subtractive Primary Colours Java Tutorial
• Colour In Dots Discover how colour pictures in magazines are produced using tiny coloured dots.
• Colour Wheels Optical illusions based on movement can be constructed in a variety of ways. Here we explore color wheels (with adjustable speeds) using simple patterns that create some spectacular optical illusions.

Topic 9 Beyond Light

• How X-rays Work

General Resources

• 2Learn.ca