Light & Lasers

Experiment with lights and lasers to see how light behaves in this dynamic and "illuminating" class. Hands-on investigations will allow students to discover that light passes through some objects and is redirected, reflected, or absorbed by others. Students will apply what they have learned to direct a beam of light through a mirror maze.

LEARNING LAB MAX: 32 students per lab session, with 3 lab sessions available per hour
TIME: 50 minutes
GRADE: Designed for grades 3-5
COST: $6 per lab, per student. This does not include museum admission.

LEARNING GOALS:

• Light travels in a straight line until it interacts with an object.
• When light interacts with an object it may be reflected, redirected, absorbed or allowed to pass through.
• Formulate reasonable explanations based on evidence collected from observations or experiments.
• Measure the light's angle as it reflects from a mirror, identifying it as acute, right, obtuse.

SUPPORTS MINNESOTA STATE STANDARDS:

Physical Science

3.2.3.1.3 -

Describe how light travels in a straight line until it is absorbed, redirected, reflected or allowed to pass through an object.

Mathematics

4.3.2.1 -	Measure angles in geometric figures and real-world objects with a protractor or angle ruler.
4.3.2.2 -	Compare angles according to size. Classify angles as acute, right, and obtuse.

Request a Learning Lab

Learning Labs are available for school groups at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, from September to May. Minimum/Maximum class size: 16/32 students. Reservations are required at least 2 weeks in advance for Learning Labs. To make your reservation, fill out the Field Trip Reservation Request, email , or call (651) 221-9444 Tuesday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.