Coin in water

Coin in water

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Further Resources
This task is about investigating light rays in water. 
Practical task
  1. Put the bowl on a desk and put the coin in the bottom nearest the edge facing you.
  2. Look at the coin and walk slowly backwards until it disappears from view.
  3. Now, get your partner to slowly pour water into the bowl without moving the coin while you are still looking at it.
  4. Swap positions and try the experiment a few more times.

Question 1Change answer

a)  What happens when the water is poured into the bowl?

Question 1Change answer

b)  Explain why you think this has happened?
Task administration: 
This task can be completed with pencil and paper or online.
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
Science, Investigating in science, Physical World
Keywords: 
physical inquiry, energy, light, refraction, exploring, science investigation
Description of task: 
Students carry out a simple experiment to illustrate refraction. They then explain why this happened.
Curriculum Links: 
Science capabilities
The capabilities focus is brought about by the conversations you have and the questions you ask.
 
Capability: Gather and interpret data
This resource provides opportunities to discuss about light rays travelling through water.
Science capabilities: 
Gather and interpret data
Answers/responses: 
a) The coin appears in view.
b) Any response which demonstrates understanding of refraction of light rays, e.g., light rays are bent by the water.