Download Grade 9 Academic Science – Space

Grade 10 Academic Science – Optics
Optics Challenge – Summative Project
NOTE
This challenge is not an optional task. You will be evaluated and graded on your ideas and product.
You will be awarded one bonus mark on your final Science grade if your output is deemed (1)
scientifically accurate and defendable, (2) plausible and reasonable given your present understanding
of the Optics unit, and (3) an effective and true team effort.
SOME INFORMATION…THINGS WE KNOW…
Light travels in a straight line. However, light can be reflected (e.g., mirror) or refracted (e.g., travel
through a different medium such as water)
Visible light is all the wavelengths of colour combined. Each colour has its own distinct wavelength.
Light can be drawn as a single ray of light from a light source. We use rays to draw a ray diagram and
determine the outcome of altering a light ray’s path.
Light reflects off a mirror and passes through a lens.
There are important parts on a ray diagram
Normal
Principal Axis
Centre of Curvature or 2X Focus
F’
2X F’ in a curved lens
Vertex
Focal Point
Light always reflects back at the same angle that the incident ray enters the mirror. This is true for
both a flat (plane) mirror and a curved mirror. On a curved mirror, a line tangent to the curve where
the light strikes the mirror is draw to make a 90O Normal Line.
The Focal Point (F) is a point midway between the Vertex and the Centre of Curvature
Five light rays are needed to draw all ray diagrams
 A ray parallel to the Principal Axis
 A ray that runs through the Focal Point
 A ray that runs through the centre of a lens
 A ray that reflects off the Vertex of a curved mirror
 A ray that passes through the Centre of the Curvature
TASK
Complete one task from each group.
1. Do one of the following tasks:
 Using ray diagrams, explain how a magnifying glass works,
 Using ray diagrams, describe how a side rear-view mirror works,
 Using ray diagrams, explain how a makeup mirror works, or
 Using ray diagrams, outline how the large concave mirror in the classroom produces different
images.
2. Do one of the following tasks:
 Using ray diagrams, explain how optical cables transmit information,
 Using ray diagrams, describe how a space telescope (e.g., Hubble Telescope) capture and
transmit images from outer space to Earth, or
 Using ray diagrams, explain how mirrors are used to create optical illusions
 Using ray diagrams, explain how mirrors let cellular phone communicate
Your final and best product will be presented to the class and discussed for its merits.
HINT: You should use all your understanding of the constructs of light and ideas from the physics of light
to develop your ideas.
Your information will be presented to your classmates on _______________________________.
A Rubric will be attached.