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ACS: Science ABCs - 'L' is for Lens

Lenny likes to look at bugs
And other things so small—
Like ants and creepy crawlies,
Upon the garden wall.

Lenny looks for centipedes
And wiggly worms in dirt.
But ’cause he’s always looking,
His eyeballs always hurt.

What helps him find these creatures,
In summer and in fall?
With a lens to magnify,
His eyes don’t hurt at all!

 

 

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What You’ll Need

  • large styrofoam cup
  • plastic wrap
  • tape
  • water

 

Why does Lenny use a water drop to see better?

We see things because of the light rays that bounce off them. Light rays traveling through a water drop held at a certain distance bend to make the object look larger—the same way a magnifying glass works.


Science Topics
Light & Colors, Physics
K-6
Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade
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ACS (American Chemical Society)

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