Refraction-N-Action

By Michelle Daniel •

Grade Level	9th
Subject Area	Physical Science
Duration	4 - 70 minute blocks
Setting	Traditional classroom with large tables
Background Knowledge	Reflection, Drawing angles, Measuring angles, Application of diagrams to hands-on activities, Sine function on calculator, Creating Tables and or using Excel Spreadsheets
Author	Michelle L. Daniel

Summary
This activity will provide students with a hands-on experience dealing with Refraction. Students will visually and manually see and measure refraction as it goes through various household substances. Because these substances all have varying densities, students will see how density affects the angle of refraction. Refraction is a difficult subject to for many students to comprehend. Many think it is difficult and don’t understand how it applies to their life. To help students see refraction in their lives, many applications, including; refraction in optical fiber wiring (telecommunications), refraction in the health care industry, refraction in geologic engineering, refraction in art, refraction in biology and refraction in diamonds. All of these subjects directly relate to the students lives in one form or another. The technology used in telecommunications, surgeries, geology etc. all relate to engineering. Engineers help develop and implement such technologies into the real-world to benefit society as a whole.

Objectives
1. Understand how refraction relates to student lives in the real-world 2. Understand the difference between refraction and reflection 3. Understand density and how it effects refraction 4. Know and understand vocabulary related to refraction 5. Apply mathematical computations using Snell’s law 6. Identify the angle of incidence, the angle of refraction and the normal using a protractor 7. Understand the importance of reading procedures and following diagrams precisely 8. Understand scientific errors associated with this experiment (in terms of the index of refraction)

Materials Required
For 8 groups (2 oil, 2 alcohol, 2 water w/ milk, and 2 gelatin) you will need: 8 clear plastic containers 2 large bottles (48 oz) of cooking oil (1 per plastic container) 4 large bottles (24 oz) of isopropyl alcohol (2 per plastic container) 1 pkg of dry milk - - add a very small amount (a pinch) of dry milk to approx 48 oz of water 2 pkg of Knox gelatin (1 pkg per plastic container) - - follow Knox recipe for making gelatin - - keep refrigerated 8 protractors 8 rulers 8 lasers Calculators Newsprint (large sheets) Colored pencils Pencils - - all containers should be filled approximately 1 ½ in. depth RNA Activity Handout RNA Activity Spreadsheet RNA Worksheet • Vocabulary • Physics-to-Go • Group Discussion • Why Refraction is Important

Ohio Standards

Science
• Standard: Scientific Inquiry

Grade 9
o Benchmark A:Participate in and apply the processes of scientific investigations to create models and to design, conduct, evaluate and communicate the results of these investigations.

Indicator 3: Construct, interpret and apply physical and conceptual models that represent or explain systems, objects events or concepts.
Indicator 6: Draw logical conclusions based on scientific knowledge and evidence from investigations.

• Standard: Physical Sciences

Grade 9
o Benchmark C: Describe the identifiable physical properties of substances (e.g., color, hardness, conductivity, density, concentration and ductility). Explain how changes in these properties can occur without changing the chemical nature of the substance.

Indicator 9: Investigate the properties of pure substances and mixtures (e.g., density, conductivity, hardness, properties of alloys, superconductors and semiconductors)

o Benchmark G: Demonstrate that waves (e.g., sound, seismic, water and light) have energy and waves can transfer energy when they interact with matter

Indicator 19: Show how the properties of a wave depend on the properties of the medium through which it travels. Recognize the electromagnetic waves can be propagated without a medium.

o Benchmark H: Trace the historical development of scientific theories and ideas, and describe emerging issues in the study of physical sciences.

Indicator 27: Describe advances and issues in physical science that have important, long-lasting effects on science and society (e.g., atomic theory, quantum theory, Newtonian mechanics, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, plastics, ceramics and communication technology).

• Standard: Science and Technology

Grade 10
o Benchmark B: Explain that science and technology are interdependent; each drives the other.

Indicator 1: Cite examples of ways that scientific inquiry is driven by the desire to understand the natural world and how technology is driven by the need to meet human needs and solve human problems.
Indicator 2: Describe examples of scientific advances and emerging technologies and how they might impact society.

Mathematics
• Standard: Geometry and Spatial Sense

o Benchmark C: Recognize and apply angle relationships in situations involving intersecting lines, perpendicular lines and parallel line.

Technology
• Standard: Designed World

o Benchmark E: Classify, demonstrate, examine and appraise information and communication technologies.

Indicator 6: Investigate emerging (state-of-the-art) and innovative application of information and technologies

o Benchmark F: Classify, demonstrate, examine and appraise medical technologies

Indicator 5: Investigate emerging (state-of-the-art) and innovative applications of medical technologies