How did we get from the first lenses in Mesopotamia to quantum computers? Light as a particle or light as a wave? And how can something be both? Our understanding of light has changed greatly over time – has light itself not?
Over the course of 5 workshops, we will navigate a condensed history of optics stopping at different points. Each class will be a mix of hands-on experiments, light installations and contextualizing the experiment’s historical significance. The prism experiments showed Newton that white light is made up of component colours; he also created a projection in his bedroom while quarantining from the plague.
This course is centered around hands-on experimental work, visual observations and history of science. No previous knowledge of physics or math is required.