Introduction to Optics

Shadow Ball by Marco Salamone on flickr

Did you know that when your child is playing with flashlights, he/she is studying physics? Even flicking the lights off and on to observe its functioning could be a way for your child to study lights. 

Optical science is the part of science that deals with characteristics of light. It is also one of the most relevant branches of physics, which studies and describes the behavior of light. So when your child observes how a light works, or studies the characteristics of lights, they are engaging in optic science. Optics is used in several fields including photography, some fields of engineering and astronomy. 

Photo by Dina on flickr

Optics is found and used in many things. You'll find the use of optics in various technologies and even household objects including lasers, mirrors, microscopes and telescopes. Giving your children access to some of these objects is not only fun, but its a way for them to study optical science. 

There are also many activities and projects to do with children in this area. Some ideas include shadow play, observing natural light, seeing how far certain lights reach (distance of light), reflection observation and dim to bright lighting. When you see your child observing or studying light, it may be a good idea to ask them questions. You could ask things like  "Is this light bright or dim?" or "Is the shadow big or small?" Another good idea would be to compare the sizes of different lights.

Interestingly enough, the human eye actually needs light to function. Light enters the eye, then travels through several parts of the eye, allowing us to see.

There are so many ways to engage your child in the study of light. Something as simple as your child gazing out of the window and 

Window Light by Bahman Farzad on flickr

observing natural light is optical science.They might be looking at how the streetlights create shadows on the ground or how the sun reflects its light in a puddle. Some things we do on an everyday basis is considered optics. So, when we are allowing our child to encounter these experiences, we are nurturing their inner scientist. Below is a partial list of activities and ways to engage your child in optic science. We will explore some of these activities in later blogs. Remember, while letting your child observe the properties of light, do not allow light too close to your child's eyes.

Shadow Play 
  Shadow puppet shows 
  Shadow objects 
  Shadow drawings
  Shadow dancing

Light Reflections 
  Reflecting light with mirrors 
  Reflecting colors 
  Reflecting light on foil