Afterimages Eye Science: Weekly Science Project Idea and Home Science Activity Spotlight

In this week's spotlight: a trio of human biology and health science projects that invite teachers, families, and students to explore the way the human eye works. What happens when you stare at something for a period of time and then look away? You might continue to see the image, what is called an afterimage. We have versions of this exploration for an independent student project, a family activity, or a classroom activity!

• Afterimages: The Colorful Tricks Eyes Play (activity)
• Are Your Eyes Playing Tricks on You? Discover the Science Behind Afterimages! (full Science Buddies Project Idea)
• Classroom Activity: Discovering the Colors Behind Afterimages (educator and student guide available
• Spooky Science: Discovering the Eerie Colors behind Afterimages (science activity at Scientific American)

Science Connections for Halloween

For another look at afterimages and thoughts on tying this hands-on science to Halloween and to nudging your students to experiment with Scratch to make a simple computer program to demonstrate afterimages, see: "A Trick of the Eye for Halloween."

Scratch is a great way to get kids started exploring computer logic as they create fun games or applications. (See the post for additional links to resources and Project Ideas at Science Buddies!)