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.

Refraction and spearfishing

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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

• extension ideas

• student instructions.