Pouring a Little Light on the Subject

Purpose: To learn that light reflects

Materials (per group)

• plastic cup (dark in color)
• aluminum foil
• flashlight
• tape
• scissors
• bucket or large bowl
• water
• science journal

Procedure

1. Use scissors to punch a small hole near the bottom of the plastic cup.
2. Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to form a cone around the flashlight.
3. Form the cone, leaving the switch clear and making sure that the open end of the cone is large enough to fit around the cup. Tape it in place. See diagram.
4. With your finger covering the hole in the cup, fill the cup two-thirds full of water.
5. With your other hand, turn on the flashlight and place the aluminum cone over the cup.
6. Darken the room and release your finger from the hole as you hold the cup over the bucket.
7. Observe the water as it pours from the cup into the bucket.
8. Record observations in journal.

Conclusion

1. What happened to the beam of light as the water poured from the cup? Explain.
2. How was the light reflected?