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13 October 1995 Polarization puzzles for the upper elementary grades
Meera Chandrasekhar, David L. Rainwater, Rebecca Q. Litherland, Rodney A. Swope, Ann VanNest
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Proceedings Volume 2525, 1995 International Conference on Education in Optics; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224011
Event: SPIE's 1995 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1995, San Diego, CA, United States
Abstract
The concept of polarization and its most basic consequence, Malus' Law, is usually not taught in the elementary or middle grades because of conceptual difficulties. We introduce the concept of polarization using sunglasses to understand the consequences of parallel and crossed polarizers. We then expand the concept with four puzzles. The puzzles are cut out of sheets of linear polarizers and are viewed through a (hand held) spinning polarizer. The first puzzle is constructed out of wedge shaped pieces of linear polarizer so that the wheel appears to rotate when viewed through the spinning polarizer. The second puzzle consists of concentric circles that appear to radiate outward. The third and fourth puzzles are four- and twelve piece wedges that are manipulated to produce different symmetric designs. We have tested these activities on fifth and sixth graders, and find that they enjoy the manipulative as well as the problem solving aspects of the puzzles. They are also able to understand that when light is polarized, 'whatever it is that waves' (the electric field) is oriented in one direction. The materials are inexpensive and can be easily made by teachers for classroom learning.
© (1995) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
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Meera Chandrasekhar, David L. Rainwater, Rebecca Q. Litherland, Rodney A. Swope, and Ann VanNest "Polarization puzzles for the upper elementary grades", Proc. SPIE 2525, 1995 International Conference on Education in Optics, (13 October 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.224011
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KEYWORDS
Polarizers
Polarization
Linear polarizers
Glasses
Molecules
Molybdenum
Heat treatments
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