A science experiment to try when a child's brushing their teeth.
Materials Needed:
- A Clear Plastic Cup
- Toothbrush
- Water
What to do:
- Half fill a clear plastic cup with water.
- Put the toothbrush into the water.
- Check out the toothbrush from the side of the cup.
The Science Factor:
The part of the toothbrush underwater looks bent. This is caused by light. Light moves more quickly through water than through air. As the light slows down it changes direction and enters your eyes from a different angle. This is why things in water look bent even though they are really straight. This is called Refraction.
Hints and Tips:
Next time you go swimming stand in the pool and look down at your legs. The look short and stubby because of refraction.
