Refraction of Light Changes Location

Over time and seasons, the light refracted through a prism in my kitchen is observed in different locations, or not at all. These two pictures were taken on 5 minutes apart, showing light being refracted in a slightly different location. During the summer months, the refraction is not seen at all, because the sun is too high in the sky and is therefore not directly shining on the prism in my window.

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• Why is the light refracted from the prism further to the right at the same time only 5 days later?
• These photos were taken in February. Would you expect the prism refraction to be located in the same spot in June?

Classroom Suggestions

• Lead students to understand that with the changing seasons, the sun is located at different points in the sky. Therefore, the sun will hit the prism at a different angle during different times of year, and the refraction will be seen in different locations around the kitchen.

Related Resources

• NASA Science Space Place: The Earth’s tilt on its axis and the position of the sun is explained as the reason for Earth’s seasons.