In this kit, the students explore Light and the Colour Spectrum by building 2 models, a Spectroscope and a Periscope.
 
The Spectroscope uses a CD and the principle of diffraction to split the incoming light from sources in the environment into the spectrum of visible light. A CD has thousands of microscopic grooves per cm which act as a diffraction grating. Different wavelengths of light diffract at different angles, splitting incoming white light into its component colours, similar to how a prism works. The students will build their spectroscope and then use it to look at different sources of light, to see how different light sources produce different spectrums.
 
The Periscope kit teaches the students the principle of reflection in a fun and interactive way. Using mirrors and an extendable design, the students learn how light travels in straight lines, but can be bent around objects using the principle of reflection and the use of this principle in technologies such as submarines.
 
Click here for instructions and worksheets and here for a YouTube video on how to build the periscope.