7 Hands-On Student Projects In Optics

Exciting Student Project Ideas on Mirrors, Lenses, Reflection, and Refraction

Learning about light doesn’t have to stay confined to theory. Whether you’re a student preparing for a science fair or a teacher designing classroom activities, these hands-on projects will help bring optics to life. Each one helps demonstrate a core concept like reflection, refraction, or image formation using mirrors and lenses.

1. Build a Periscope

Concepts Covered: Reflection, Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection
Use two plane mirrors placed at 45-degree angles inside a long cardboard tube. When you look through the bottom, the mirrors reflect light from above to your eyes. Great for learning how mirrors can change the direction of light.

Materials: Cardboard box, mirrors, tape, scissors.

Real-World Link: Periscopes are used in submarines and tanks.

2. Laser Refraction Through Liquids

Concepts Covered: Refraction, Refractive Index
Shine a laser pointer through water, oil, and glass to observe the bending of light. Record the angles of incidence and refraction and compare the behavior of light in each medium.

Materials: Laser pointer, protractor, transparent containers, various liquids.

Real-World Link: Demonstrates how lenses bend light in optical tools.

3. Create a Pinhole Camera

Concepts Covered: Image Formation, Light Propagation
Build a simple camera using a shoebox and tracing paper. This shows how light travels in straight lines and forms inverted images without a lens.

Materials: Shoebox, aluminum foil, pin, tracing paper.

Real-World Link: Early photography and camera mechanics.

4. Mirror Maze Challenge

Concepts Covered: Multiple Reflections, Angle Control
Create a path using several small mirrors and direct a beam of light to hit a target. Adjust angles to navigate the maze, reinforcing reflection rules.

Materials: Plane mirrors, flashlight or laser, paper, protractor.

Real-World Link: Laser-based security systems and puzzle designs.

5. DIY Microscope

Concepts Covered: Convex Lenses, Magnification, Image Formation
Stack two convex lenses from magnifying glasses to build a basic microscope. Use it to look at tiny printed text or leaf veins.

Materials: Two convex lenses, cardboard tubes, sample objects.

Real-World Link: Biology labs and scientific research tools.

6. Compare Refraction in Everyday Liquids

Concepts Covered: Bending of Light, Refractive Index
Insert a straw or pencil into water, oil, and other transparent liquids. Observe how it appears bent or displaced. Measure apparent shifts.

Materials: Transparent glasses, straw/pencil, water, oil, corn syrup.

Real-World Link: Explains illusions we see when objects are underwater.

7. Optical Illusions with Refraction

Concepts Covered: Light Distortion, Perception
Use curved glass or water to create images that appear flipped or stretched. Explore how refraction can trick the eye.

Materials: Water-filled glasses, drawings, printed arrows.

Real-World Link: Design in art, advertising, and illusion shows.

Each of these projects provides a gateway to understanding core optical concepts in a fun, memorable way. Whether you're interested in how telescopes magnify space or how eyeglasses correct vision, it all starts with simple light experiments.
Want more learning? Check out our full guide on "How Do Mirrors and Lenses Work?" and download the worksheet to test your understanding!