Developed by the OSA Rochester Section (ROSA) in 1999, the Optics Suitcase is an innovative, interactive presentation package designed to introduce middle school students to a variety of science concepts.

Sponsor an Optics Suitcase or theme packets! For as little as $35 you can help a student learn about polarization, diffraction, selective reflection, and colors in white light through fun and interactive experiments.

Each Suitcase includes a teaching guide and materials for demonstrations and experiments that teach about optics in a fun, hands-on atmosphere. Topics include: polarization, diffraction and selective reflection. The "theme packets", which contain the individual experiments, are designed for students to take home and share with their friends and family as a reinforcement of the classroom lessons. A Suitcase demonstration requires 40 - 60 minutes on average, and provides materials for up to 75 students. View a full list of Suitcase components.

Through our partnership with ROSA we have distributed over 300 Optics Suitcases, reaching over 10,000 students in 39 countries. This program is also supported by a generous donation from James Ferguson.

Please note: Due to the long waiting list for Optics Suitcases we are no longer accepting new applications. If you have already submitted a request you will be contacted once your application has been reviewed.

Resources:

• Video demonstration of the kit
• Teaching guide
• Learn more about ROSA and their education outreach