How Light Travels

What You'll Learn

Light travels in straight lines and can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed. Mirrors reflect light, lenses refract (bend) light, and dark surfaces absorb light.

Key Words

data
observation

Materials Needed

rubber bands
string
cups

Safety First

Work in a well-ventilated area when using vinegar or other strong-smelling substances.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Read about Engineering and Design and write down three key facts.

Step 2 — Do

Design an experiment to test a hypothesis. Identify your independent variable, dependent variable, and controls. Run the experiment and present results.

Step 3 — Observe

Compare the before and after states.

Step 4 — Record

Write your conclusion: did the results match your hypothesis? What would you change next time?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is sound?