Activity

Investigating refraction and spearfishing

In this activity, students aim spears at a model of a fish in a container of water. When they move their spears towards the fish, they miss! This activity investigates refraction.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • describe how the fish appears to be closer to the surface of the water than it is

  • draw a diagram to show how the light coming from the fish bends (refracts) as it moves from water into air

  • explain that this bending of light makes the fish appear to be in a different place than it actually is

  • discuss the correct place to aim if you want to hit the fish

  • recall the meaning of the term refraction.

Diagram of refraction underwater using a spearfishing example.

Refraction and spearfishing

Light coming from the fish refracts (changes direction) when it hits the surface. A person above the water sees the apparent position of the fish closer to the surface than the real position of the fish.

Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • ideas

  • student instructions.

Published: 5 April 2012,Updated: 5 April 2012