note that the brightness varies with the
illuminating wavelengths. Using colored
lights is equivalent to observing the objects
through colored filters. (See the note in the
Colored Shadows activity that follows.) The
way each object appears relates to its RrealS
colors as seen in normal light. By noting
subtle differences in brightness in each of
the three colored lights, the actual colors of
the objects can be identified.
For Further Research:
- This activity also works using colored
acetate filters taped over small windows
cut into file cards. Sheets of red, green,
and blue acetate can be purchased at art
supply stores. Students can make their
own filter cards and take them home to
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look through the windows at a variety of
objects. Better quality filters, that transmit
"purer" colors, can be obtained from
theatrical supply stores at a cost
comparable to acetate filters. If your
school has a theater department, you
may be able to obtain filters (gels) from
them.
- The following reference describes further
activities with the filters:
Sneider, C., Gould, A., & Hawthorne, C.
(1991), Color Analyzers Teacher's Guide,
Great Explorations in Math and Science
(GEMS), Lawrence Hall of Science,
University of California at Berkeley.
(Available from the museum or the
National Science Teacher's Association.)
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