Mirror, mirror on the wall.

Investigating mirrors and reflections.

Be careful not to drop your mirror!

PLAN

Set up a mirror in the middle of a wall - about head height.

You could mark a line down the centre of the mirror - to help judge accurately.

Mark a line on the floor - parallel to the wall - about 2 metres away from the wall.

I WILL NEED

A mirror (about 25cm wide)

Something to measure with - a large rule or a tape measure.

Pencil and paper.

I MAY NEED

Some string - to mark the line.

FAIR TEST

You could repeat this investigation with a different observer and partner - to check your results.

PREDICTION

What do you think might happen?  Can you explain why you think so?

PRACTICAL ACTIVITY

Choose one person to be the "official observer."

The "official observer" stands in front of the mirror - facing the mirror - on the line.  The observer should be able to see their own reflection in the middle of the mirror.

Choose one person to be the "official partner".

The "official partner" stands shoulder to shoulder with the observer on their left hand side.

The observer moves slowly to the right until they can see their partner in the middle of the mirror (without straining or bending!).

Mark these positions.

The partner takes one step sideways to their left.

The observer now moves slowly to the right until they can see their partner in the middle of the mirror.

Repeat this 5 or 6 times.  Mark both positions each time.

COLLECT

DATA

You have marked the positions of the observer and their partner.  What measurements could you take?

ANALYSE

DATA

What did you notice?

Would a diagram make things clearer?

Is there a pattern?

PRESENT

FINDINGS

What is the best way to show what you did?

Would a diagram make things clearer?

What is the best way to show your data and your findings?

EVALUATE

INVESTIGATION

How could you improve this investigation?

Could you set it up differently?

Can you think of a way to make it more accurate?

If you have carried out this investigation, click the icon to send in your results to Brainboxx and we may publish your work on the website.  It is best to e-mail the results of your investigation or you may need to send them by post.  Make sure you get permission from a teacher, parent or other adult before you get in touch.

INTERACTIVE MIRROR GAME

MIRROR-PATH ACTIVITY