What is Optics?

Optics – or the science of light – is the study of how light behaves and interacts with the world. In these days of COVID-19, optical technologies, from cameras and computers to fiber optic cables, are helping to keep us all connected. We know this also means many families are now working and learning at home. In celebration of the International Day of Light, 16 May, OSA is pleased to offer this webinar and other optical activities and experiments families can do at home together.

REGISTER NOW: Optics Magic with Judy & Nancy: Twisting Light

In this webinar you will learn what polarized light is and how it behaves. This webinar will include three activities you can do at home with materials you can find around your home. These activities are geared towards elementary and middle school students but are fun for kids of all ages.  

Check out this parent and teachers guide to learn more about the activities Judy and Nancy will be demonstrating during the webinar.

Activity 1: Bright & Dark

Activity 2: What is polarized light?

Activity 3: Colors from clear plastic

Materials: To fully participate, you’ll want to gather these materials before we begin.

1. A polarizing filter (polarizer). This can be polarized sunglasses or a piece of polarizing film (available from science supply houses), or “3D” glasses with polarizing plastic
2. An LCD screen such as a laptop, tablet or television screen
3. Cellophane tape

4. A square of transparency film or other thin plastic to protect the monitor and polarizer from adhesive damage (optional).

Other Resources

1. Learn more about the International Day of Light
2. Visit osa.org/EducationOutreach for more activities, experiments and videos.
3. Follow our social media channels  to learn more about activities you and your kids can do at home. 
4. Please visit our COVID-19 Message Center to learn more about our efforts and impacted programs.

5. Visit PBL Projects for more activities for teachers and families. 

Speakers

Judy Donnelly

Judy is retired from Three Rivers Community College where she was professor of physics and technology for 36 years and Program Coordinator for the Laser and Fiber Optic Technology associate degree program. She is a senior member and fellow of OSA and SPIE and has served on outreach and education committees of both societies as well as other national and international STEM education initiatives. Judy was awarded the Educator Award by SPIE (2003) and the OSA Esther Hoffman Beller Medal (2012) for outstanding contributions to education in optical science and engineering. Judy enjoys gardening, knitting, baking bread and answering the very difficult science questions asked by her three grandchildren. 

Nancy Magnani

Nancy started her career in engineering as a senior engineer designing and testing high speed fiber optic systems for a telephone operating company.  After relocating to Connecticut, Nancy transitioned to a career in education.  As a Science Specialist/Grant Facilitator for a regional education service center, Nancy provided science professional development to teachers and wrote and facilitated STEM grants programs for 4^th grade through high school students throughout eastern Connecticut.  Grant programs included energy, robotics and collaborating with Judy Donnelly on optics and photonics. Nancy currently is with the Sumner School district, Sumner, WA working with middle school science students, facilitates science club and judges STEM Fair projects at the school, district and state levels.  She is a member of National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) and a senior member of both OSA and SPIE.