← Back to course
Science Launch G4 / Week 07 / Launch Lab
6/6
Week 07 · How We See

Launch Lab

Launch Lab: Mirror relay
// Light bounces into our eyes
⏱ about 15 min

Launch Lab: Mirror relay

Rocket tapes a paper target to the wall at the end of the hall. It is a big orange star.

"The challenge," he says, "is to hit the star with the flashlight beam. But the flashlight must stay on the table."

Raven hands out three hand mirrors. "What do you notice about where each mirror sends the light?"

Nova bobs above the table. "My hint," she says. "Light bounces in straight lines. Pass it like a ball."

  1. We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes.
  2. Light sources make their own light. The Moon only reflects sunlight.
  3. Light travels in straight lines. Blocked light makes a shadow.
  4. Mirrors reflect almost all light and change its direction.
  5. Light goes through the cornea, pupil and lens to the retina, then signals go to the brain.
◇ MIRROR RELAY
Put a small flashlight on a table, pointing along the floor or wall.
Tape a paper target somewhere the beam cannot reach directly.
Each person holds one mirror. Pass the beam from mirror to mirror.
Adjust your mirrors until the beam lands on the target.
Safety first
Use hand mirrors carefully so they do not break.
Never shine the beam into anyone's eyes.
Use a small flashlight with AA batteries.
For a grown-up
Ask: What did you notice? What would you change?
Ask your child to trace the path of light from the flashlight to the target.
LAUNCH LAB CHECK
  • Read the question.
  • Tap your answer.
Why do you need mirrors to reach the target?
How do you see the star on the target?
We see objects when light ____ off them into our eyes.
Signals travel to the brain through the optic ____.
Is the Moon a light source? Type yes or no.
WHY THIS EXERCISEMoonlight is sunlight reflecting off the Moon.

Week 7 complete! Next week we use light and sound patterns to send secret codes.

← Friday