Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua

Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

Retold by:

Your Design Task: The 'Never-Ending' Drink

The Brief: Design and create a small-scale functional model of a clear drink container that uses light refraction to make the liquid inside look like it has at least double the actual volume when viewed from a specific angle.

Step 1: Brainstorming the Illusion (The Science)

Remember, a mirage happens because light bends when it passes through substances of different densities (like hot air vs. cool air). You can model this in the lab!

• Materials that Bend Light: Which two clear liquids or materials could you use to create distinct layers that bend light?

  • Think about the difference between water and oil (they don't mix).

  • Think about the difference between plain water and very salty water or sugar syrup (they have different densities).

• The Container Shape: Does the shape of the container (curved vs. flat sides) help create the illusion?

Step 2: Build and Test Your Model (Functional Modelling)

1. Select Materials: Get small, clear containers (plastic cups, jars, test tubes) and your chosen clear liquids (e.g., water and cooking oil, or water and sugar syrup).

2. Experiment: Try layering your liquids or using different container shapes. For example:

   • Pour a small amount of sugar syrup into a glass, then carefully layer plain water on top. Observe an object (like a coin or a small label) placed behind the glass. Does it look distorted or reflected?

   • Try a container with a rounded front to act like a lens.

3. Test for Success: Use a marker to indicate the actual liquid level on the side of your container. Does your trick make the liquid appear to reach a higher level? If not, re-model and try a different combination of liquids or shapes.

Step 3: Present Your Technological Outcome

Prepare a brief presentation of your "Fata Morgana Fake-Out" model.

• The Reveal: Show your model, demonstrating the optical illusion.

• The Justification: Explain how your design works, specifically identifying the medium (the liquids/materials) and the interface (where the light bends) that creates the mirage effect.

• Evaluation: State whether your design was fit for purpose (did it successfully make the drink look double the volume?).