Curated OER
Diffraction of Laser Light, Polarization and Color Filters
Young scholars investigate light behavior by conducting a series of experiments. In this physics activity, students calculate the wavelength of the light source using an equation. They determine what color is produced when light of...
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Methods of Polarization
At this college physics department site, the polarization of light is explained and illustrated as well as the primary methods of polarization (scattering, reflection, and refraction).
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Einstein's Legacy: Laptop Screens
A series of seven pages that describe how screen displays on laptop computers work using polarized light in a liquid crystal display. Interactive Java applets.
University of Colorado
University of Colorado: Physics 2000: Polarization
A series of pages that explain polarization, polarized light and its effects, polarized filters, and sunglasses. Interactive Java applets.
Other
Polarized Light in Nature and Technology
Incredible sight focusing on all varieties and instances of polarization as found in nature and in our surroundings.
CK-12 Foundation
Ck 12: Polarization
[Free Registration/Login may be required to access all resource tools.] Students understand the meaning of polarization and its mechanism and polarization by transmission and reflection.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Polarization
"How Do We Know Light Behaves as a Wave?" An answer is provided in this discussion of the polarization of light and the use of Polaroid filters in sunglasses. The four methods discussed on this page are: polarization by transmission,...
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Antoine Henri Becquerel Biographical
Read about Becquerel's (1852-1908 CE) contributions to the world of science, which earned him The 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics. This detailed biography includes important dates as well as an overview of his world with radioactivity.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Polarized Light Mosaic
Learn how to make stained glass window art using the phenomenon of polarized light.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Rotating Light
An experiment where polarized light is shone into a solution of sugared water, causing each of the colors in white light to change direction in varying amounts.
Exploratorium
Exploratorium: Science Snacks: Bone Stress
This activity uses polarized lights to show stress patterns in a clear plastic fork. Students can relate the stresses in plastic to stresses in the bone.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Henri Becquerel Nobel Lecture
This site from the Nobel eMuseum of the Nobel Foundation provides a series of links to information on Antoine Henri. Everything from the presentation speech for the Nobel Prize to his biography, the lecture, and other resources.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Light Waves and Color: Polarization
Through illustrated practice problems and video clips, students learn about polarization of light.
Boston University
Bu: Optics Demonstrations: Polarization
Several short descriptions of demonstrations pertaining to polarization principles. Suitable as a supplement for a teacher lesson plan or as an idea-generator for a student project.
NOAA
Noaa: Seeing Things Differently Using Polarization [Pdf]
Discover how polarizing filters can make certain objects more visible to the human eye.
Optical Society
Optical Society of America: Optics for Kids: Polarized Light (Pdf)
An investigation into how polarized light behaves, with instructions on how to make a polarizer using glass slides. With a link to an article explaining about polarized light. PDF (requires Adobe Reader).