Optics for Kids

Special Events

The College of Optical Sciences proudly cosponsors OSAYS: the Optics Summer Academy for Young Scholars, which was held June 27–July 1, 2011.
 

For more information about past outreach events at OSC, check the following pages:

• Laser Fun Day

• EXCITE: IBM's Summer Camp

• Tucson PREP Proyecto ACCESS
   

Meet Dr. Mike and Discover the World of Optics

Dr. Michael Nofziger, Ph.D. 1995, specializes in undergraduate optics instruction, curriculum development, design and fabrication of student laboratory experiments, and optics outreach to kids of all ages. He says, "Good teaching is more than just having students learn equations. Good teaching is really about motivating students to use their creative and critical thinking skills."

With those tenets in mind, Dr. Mike's presentations will be geared to the age and special interests of your group. To experience the World of Optics, please contact:

Dr. Mike Nofziger
College of Optical Sciences
University of Arizona
520-626-8363
nofziger@optics.arizona.edu

For Teachers

• How to Make a Sine Wave

• How a Diffraction Grating Works (PDF)

• Advanced Diffraction Gratings (PDF)

• How to Make a Kaleidoscope
  includes instructions, supply lists and photographs of the process

Favorite Programs

Kaleidoscopes for Everyone: The curriculum, which focuses on kaleidoscope-making, gives students a chance to experience the fun and challenge of science and math and their applications in everyday life. At the conclusion of the day, each students gets to take their kaleidoscope home. The kaleidoscopes are classic three-mirror designs, using front-surface mirrors. The housing is made from PVC plumbing parts, foam insulation and a plastic petri dish. Colored plastic beads provide the kaleidoscopes' infinite color combinations.

Optics for Nursery School Kids: The curriculum for this half-hour segment focuses on a hands-on experience of light, color, lenses and mirrors. Students peer through kaleidoscopes and lenses, grab for virtual floating pigs, watch pennies disappear into a the magic bank (done with mirrors, of course), and light up the dark with phosphorescing bugs. A laser light show caps the lesson.

Optics for Kids of All Ages and Their Families: This "fun with optics" hour is designed for children of all ages — toddlers through teens — and their parents. The event, which focuses on having a good time with light and color, begins with short segments to interest younger children, then gradually moves on to more complex material for older kids and teenagers. The lesson concludes with special effects and Dr. Mike's justifiably famous laser light show.
 

This page has been translated into Romanian by Alexander Ovsov of Web Geek Science