How to Use

Most CSUN simulations are in-browser, requiring Flash and Java updating prior to use; it would be optimal for the instructor to prepare accordingly to avoid displaying the process of installing a browser plugin to the class.

An example of these simulations can be found at this link:
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/mirrors/concave.html

Concave Mirrors - Real Images

In this simulation, students can manipulate the position of an object relative to a concave mirror and observe how this affects two principal rays coming from the object, reflecting off the concave mirror, and creating a Real Image. This simple simulation provides evidence of how the position affects the size of the image displayed on the mirror. Because the object position can be altered with the slider on the bottom right, students can visualize the correlations between object-mirror distance to image-mirror distance and size.

While this could be used as a very quick demonstration in class, it would be more useful for the students to conduct an actual inquiry using physical mirrors and objects, drawing their hypotheses (and later conclusions) from actual lab work with ruler measurements of distance and size. The simulation itself should be brought in either at the end of the lesson as an extension or as a useful link to be posted on a class site. Students should first conduct a hypothesis investigation before playing with the program and strengthen their understanding of optics and mirrors.