Prepare your own magnifier in Living with Non-Living – Class 6 Science Experiment

Chapter Name: Living with Non-Living

Activity Name: Prepare your own magnifier in Living with Non-Living

Activity Description:

In this experiment, you will create a magnifier using an old electric bulb. By filling it with water and looking through it, you will observe the magnifying effect and investigate whether the letters in a book appear larger. Additionally, you will consider the visibility of objects around us and identify some small animals.

Required Items:

1. Used electric bulb (without filament)
2. Water
3. A book
4. Small animals (optional, for observation)

Step by Step Procedure:

1. Begin by gathering all the required items for the experiment.
2. Take the used electric bulb and carefully remove the filament inside, ensuring not to break the bulb.
3. Fill the bulb with water, pouring it in until the bulb is approximately half full. Be cautious not to overfill it.
4. Allow any air bubbles to rise to the surface, and then screw the cap of the bulb back on tightly.
5. Place the book on a flat surface or hold it in your hand.
6. Hold the filled electric bulb with one hand, positioning it between your eye and the book, while ensuring the water-filled part faces the book.
7. Look through the bulb and observe the letters in the book.
8. Take note of whether the letters appear bigger or magnified when viewed through the water-filled bulb.
9. Optionally, you can also observe and name some small animals around you, considering their visibility.

Experiment Observations:

1. When looking through the water-filled bulb, the letters in the book should appear bigger or magnified.
2. It is important to note that the magnification effect may vary depending on the size of the bulb, the curvature of the glass, and the quality of the water used.
3. Some small animals that you might be able to observe could include insects like ants, beetles, or spiders. You can identify and name any small animals that you encounter during the experiment.

Precautions:

1. Handle the used electric bulb with care to avoid any breakage or injury.
2. Take necessary precautions while handling water to prevent spillage or accidents.
3. Ensure the cap of the bulb is securely fastened to prevent water leakage.
4. Be cautious while observing small animals to avoid harm to yourself or the creatures.

Lesson Learnt from Experiment:

Through this experiment, you will learn that a water-filled bulb can act as a magnifier, making objects appear larger when viewed through it. This phenomenon occurs due to the refraction of light as it passes through the curved surface of the bulb filled with water.

The experiment also helps in understanding that not all things around us are visible unless we use appropriate tools or techniques, such as magnifiers or microscopes. By observing small animals, you gain an appreciation for the diverse living organisms that exist in our surroundings.