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Item #92-7700
Optics
Best Seller
Introductory Optical System (Optical Bench)
$115.00
Bundle Discount
| Unit Price | $115.00 |
| 6+ | $108.00 |
Affordable optical bench for image formation lab activities
Bring optics to life without the bulky bench or fragile lamps. Arbor Scientific’s Introductory Optical System is a simple, elegant setup for teaching basic optics experiments—students slide sturdy acrylic components onto any standard meter stick (not included) and start exploring image formation, focal length, and magnification right away.
A bright, self-contained LED “F” object makes sharp images even with classroom lights on, while the double-sided translucent screen lets groups view results from both sides. Students can easily make the common measurements of image and focal distance with the included lenses, pinhole configurations, and 2-sided screen. Together, these features make it an affordable alternative to traditional optical benches that still supports clear, quantitative introductory optics investigations.
Why Teachers Love the Introductory Optical System (Optical Bench)
- No cords, no breakable lamps: Battery-powered LED light source is bright enough for full-light classrooms, so setup is fast and maintenance is low.
- Meter-stick optical bench simplicity: Acrylic holders have ruler cutouts that rest securely on a meter stick, giving students a familiar, accurate measurement scale without extra hardware.
- Compact, classroom-tough design: Robust acrylic parts and standard 50 mm lenses pack small, store easily, and stand up to repeated student use.
Note: Meter stick is required but not included.
Resources
Product Details
What You Can Teach with the Introductory Optical System
Perfect for middle school through introductory high school physics/physical science, including:
- Real vs. virtual image formation with convex and concave lenses
- Measuring focal length and verifying the thin lens equation
- Image distance vs. object distance relationships
- Magnification and predicting image size/location
- Pinhole imaging and the fundamentals of ray diagrams
- Modeling how optical instruments work (telescopes / microscopes)
- Building a model of the eye and the use of corrective lenses.
Great as a Demonstration or Student Lab
Works great as a demonstration or student lab. The Introductory Optical System is designed as an improvement to mounted optical benches. Each acrylic component has a cut-out that allows it to securely rest on a familiar meter stick (not supplied). With this setup, students can easily make the common measurements of image and focal distance. The LED-illuminated object is self-contained, powered by 2 AAA batteries, and sufficiently bright to project an image on a unique translucent screen (viewable from both sides)—even with the lights on! Students will now have the freedom to perform all the requisite quantitative optical investigations.
Products being sold are not toys. They are for Educational / Laboratory use only. They are not for use by children 12 and under.
Product Specifications
What's Included:
Single Lens Holder
Double Lens Holder
LED Object (batteries included)
Lens: Dia. 50mm, +100mm Double Convex
Lens: Dia. 50mm, +200mm Double Convex
Lens: Dia. 50mm, -100mm Double Concave
Lens: Dia. 50mm, -200mm Double Concave
Viewing Screen, Double Sided
Pinhole Configuration Cards, Pair
Instructional Guide and Activities
Please note: Meter stick is not included.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Introductory Optics Set?
The Introductory Optics Set is a compact optical bench system that lets students investigate how light behaves using lenses and a light source. Instead of a bulky rail, components slide onto a standard meter stick, making it simple and classroom-friendly.
What does the Introductory Optics Set demonstrate?
This kit helps students visualize and measure key optics concepts, including:
- Image formation (real and virtual)
- Focal length and image distance
- Magnification
- Ray diagrams and light paths
It turns abstract optics ideas into measurable, hands-on experiments.
How does the Introductory Optics Set work?
Students place lenses, a light source, and a screen onto a meter stick (not included) and adjust their positions to observe how images change. This allows them to directly measure distances and test optics relationships like focal length.
What makes this optics set different from a traditional optical bench?
Unlike traditional optical benches, this system:
- Uses a meter stick instead of a large rail system
- Requires no cords or fragile lamps
- Uses a battery-powered LED light source
- Is compact, durable, and easy to store
This makes it faster to set up and more practical for everyday classroom use.
Can you use this optics set in a well-lit classroom?
Yes. The built-in LED light source is bright enough to produce clear images even with classroom lights on, eliminating the need for dark rooms.
What experiments can students do with the Introductory Optics Set?
Students can:
- Measure focal length and verify the thin lens equation
- Create real and virtual images
- Investigate magnification and image distance
- Model telescopes, microscopes, and the human eye
- Explore pinhole imaging
These activities support both conceptual and quantitative learning.
What components are included in the optics set?
The set includes:
-
Single Lens Holder
-
Double Lens Holder
-
LED Object (batteries included)
-
Lens: Dia. 50mm, +100mm Double Convex
-
Lens: Dia. 50mm, +200mm Double Convex
-
Lens: Dia. 50mm, -100mm Double Concave
-
Lens: Dia. 50mm, -200mm Double Concave
-
Viewing Screen, Double Sided
-
Pinhole Configuration Cards, Pair
-
Instructional Guide and Activities
These components allow a wide range of introductory optics investigations.
What grade level is the Introductory Optics Set best for?
This kit is designed for:
- Middle school physical science
- High school physics
- Introductory optics courses
It works well for both demonstrations and student lab activities.
Does the Introductory Optics Set include a meter stick?
No. A standard meter stick is required but not included, allowing teachers to use existing classroom equipment.
Why is this optics kit effective for teaching?
The kit is effective because it:
- Makes light behavior visible and measurable
- Supports inquiry-based, hands-on learning
- Allows quick setup and repeat experiments
- Provides a low-cost alternative to traditional optical benches
Can students perform quantitative experiments with this kit?
Yes. Students can take accurate measurements of image distance and focal length, enabling them to perform quantitative optics experiments, not just demonstrations.
What real-world systems can this optics set model?
Students can model:
- Cameras and pinhole imaging
- The human eye and corrective lenses
- Telescopes and microscopes
This helps connect classroom learning to real-world optical systems.
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WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm — www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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