December 2004, Issue #35

Optics is Everywhere

Hands-On Optics (HOO) is a new model for informal science education activities in optics that will:

• Create links from the professional optics community to the informal science education community.
• Provide opportunities for kids to succeed in collaborative learning and problem solving through inquiry-based, hands-on activities, projects and competitions.
• Increase science and technology knowledge for students, and increase awareness of optics as a discipline and career that crosses numerous fields.

HOO offers science, engineering and technology activity modules and competitions:

• Laser and mirror activities
• Building and using kaleidoscopes
• Forming images with lenses and mirrors
• Building a simple refracting telescope
• Ultraviolet fluorescence experiments
• Infrared experiments
• Communicating over a beam of light

For more information on the new Hands-On Optics program please visit us at www.Hands-On-Optics.org or by email at Hands-On-Optics@osa.org.