OPTICS FOR KIDS

The Optical Society of America has introduced an interactive Web site to teach and excite children about the science of light. An animated shooting star guides users through the site, which is designed to serve as a global educational resource. Created for students, teachers and parents, the portal offers experiments using everyday objects, such as how to split white light and how to make a telescope and water lenses. It includes optics games, including word finders, optical illusions and hidden object challenges. Through numerous grade-specific lesson plans, students can learn about color, reflection, refraction, magnification and light sources.