As light travels from one material, or medium into the next, it may refract or bend. The amount of refraction depends on the density of the material the light rays are traveling through. The greater the density of a material, the more the light rays will refract, or bend as they pass through. The amount of refraction can be measured by using a protractor to measure the angle of the light as it bends. It can also be measured using an index of refraction tool, which is a way to measure how light behaves as it moves through different materials. Now it is your turn to give it a try! In the Properties of Light Lab, you will be using the Bending Light Intro simulation to investigate how the density of a material affects refraction.

Be sure to record your observations of how the light rays interact as they pass from air, on top of the simulation screen, through each of the three materials on the bottom of the simulation screen in the Properties of Light Lab Report. You will submit your completed Properties of Light Lab report. Be sure to review the grading rubric before submitting your work, the rubric is,

Skilled Scientist Developing Scientist Novice Scientist
Name and Title 1 point

All information is included. 0 points

All information is not included.
Objective 6–4 points

The student clearly explained the purpose of the lab, showing critical thinking skills. 3–2 points

The student somewhat explained the purpose of the lab. 1–0 points

The student did not explain the purpose of the lab or the explanation was not accurate.
Hypothesis 4 points

The student formatted hypotheses as if/then statements and prediction information matched on screen selections. 3-2 points

The student did not format hypotheses as if/then statements or did not match on screen selections. 1–0 points

The student did not format the predictions accurately and/or was missing predictions.
Variables 4 points

The student correctly identified the test variable and the outcome variable with no errors. 3–2 points

The student attempted to correctly identify the test variable and/or the outcome variable but had some errors. 1–0 points

The student did not list the test variable and/or outcome variable or the answers provided were incorrect.
Data 10–8 points

Data is recorded and analyzed accurately for each trial; observations include important details, such as measurement values, graphs, and calculations as well as other observable details when appropriate. 7–5 points

Data is recorded and analyzed for most trials; observations include some details, such as measurement values, graphs, and calculations as well as other observable details when appropriate. 4–0 points

Data and observations are missing and/or limited in details.
Conclusion 15–11 points

The student demonstrated excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills when answering conclusion questions. Answers and ideas were expanded with unique details that were novel and showed creative thinking. 10–6 points

The student demonstrated some critical thinking and problem solving skills when answering conclusion questions. Answers and ideas had few necessary details and showed limited creative thinking. 5–0 points

The student demonstrated limited critical thinking and problem solving skills when answering conclusion questions. Answers and ideas were not expanded with necessary details and showed no creative thinking.