Disappearing Reflection

When you look into a mirror, you see a reflection of yourself. In science class, you have learned that you see objects because light is reflected off of them. With the help of a family member, create this “magical” mirror and watch your reflection disappear!

Materials

• aluminum foil
• scissors

Procedure

Ask an adult to cut a 10-inch length of aluminum foil off the roll. Carefully place the foil on a table with the shiny side up. Bend over and look into the foil. Talk with your family member about what you see. Next, crinkle the foil into a loose wad—not too tight. Then, flatten out the wadded foil and look into the shiny side again. What do you see this time?

Results

Talk with your family member about what just happened. Then walk around your home with your family member to find other places where you can see your reflection. What do these places have in common with the piece of aluminum foil cut from the roll?