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iridescent

Looking at an opal through a scanning electron microscope

Colors at the Nanoscale: Butterflies, Beetles and Opals

In this activity, learners will be exposed to the term ‘Photonic Crystals,' explore some of the well-known photonic crystals in nature and will also be able observe one method that scientists use in trying to replicate this process.
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Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing (reflected light)

Magnified image of a blue morpho butterfly's wing using an Optical Microscope.
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Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing (non-reflected light)

Magnified image of a blue morpho butterfly's wing using an Optical Microscope.
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Scientific Image- Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Ridges

Magnified image of blue morpho butterfly wing ridges using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Scales

Magnified image of blue morpho butterfly wing scales using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
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a collection of shells of different types

Why are Seashells so Strong?

In this activity, learners explore seashells and various structural models to discover that seashells are a composite material made of both inorganic and organic materials.
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Closeup photo of Blue Morpho Butterfly

Butterfly Blues video

In this O Wow Moments video, Mr. O talks about iridescence and Blue Morpho butterflies.
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two children looking at Blue Morpho butterfly

Exploring Structures - Butterfly

In this activity, learners investigate how butterfly wings get their color and that some wings get their color from the nanoscale structures on the wings instead of pigments.
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Exploring Materials - Thin Films activity components including signs, activity materials and guides.

Exploring Materials - Thin Films

In this activity, learners create a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water.
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