This session, the STEM4Girls event introduced girls to the Blue Economy and encouraged the pursuit of science. Over 100 young students gain STEM experienced from scientists and researchers in collaboration with UMassD's Kaput Center. In this year, to align with Light and Color Experiment with the Blue Economy, we explored the fascinating world of polarized light by creating colorful abstract art using transparent materials and polarizing filters. This experiment “Light, Science, Action! Visualizing Plastic Pollution in Our Oceans“ demonstrated how birefringence and polarization affect light transmission.

Materials Needed:

·       Polarizing sheets

·   Transparent adhesive tape

·   Plastic filament

·   Cellophane

·   Scissors

·   Super glue

·   Mounts

Procedure:

1.     Prepare the Polarizing Setup:

o   Place one polarizing sheet on a flat surface (i.e., the base polarizer).

o   Position the second polarizing sheet above the first, ensuring they are aligned. By rotating the top polarizer, you can observe changes in light transmission, ranging from full brightness to complete darkness, depending on their relative orientation. Set the second polarizing sheet so it can be rotated.

2.     Design the Artwork

o   Position a piece of clear plastic sheet (such as a plastic sheet, stretched adhesive tape or cellophane) between the polarizing filters.

o   Apply transparent adhesive tape to the transparent/clear plastic sheet in various patterns. Use layers of clear tape in different directions to form abstract shapes and patterns. Don’t be worried about the pattern – the untidier the pattern is, the more interesting the resulting image is!

o   Place the decorated transparency sheet between the two polarizing sheets

3.     Observe the Colors:

o   Illuminate the artwork with a bright, unpolarized light source – ambient light or sunlight works!

o   The transparent objects, which usually appear colorless, will now display vivid colors and patterns as you rotate the second polarizer, the colors and intensity will change dynamically.

Scientific Explanation: The colorful effects arise from the interaction between polarized light and the birefringent properties of the adhesive tape. When polarized light passes through the tape, its polarization state is altered, leading to constructive and destructive interference patterns that manifest as vibrant colors. Rotating the polarizers changes the angles of polarization, thus modifying the observed colors and intensities.

Connection with Blue Economy: 1. Ocean Conservation Awareness - Use the experiment as a medium to visualize and discuss the effects of plastic pollution in the oceans. Highlight how birefringence in microplastics, like those found in marine environments, affects light transmission and ocean ecosystems. Demonstrate how ocean waste, such as discarded fishing nets, cellophane packaging, and plastic debris, interacts with light.; 2. Marine Biodiversity & Light Interactions - Relate the experiment to how marine life uses polarization. Many ocean creatures, such as squid and mantis shrimp, perceive polarized light, which helps them find food and avoid predators; 3. Sustainable Materials and Art - Replace plastic materials in the experiment with biodegradable or ocean-friendly alternatives, reinforcing the message of sustainability. Encourage upcycling by using discarded ocean plastics in the experiment, transforming waste into educational tools.