DYI Polarizing Viewer

Introduction: It is about time somebody provided instructions using old lenses from a pair of 3D glasses. Once you build this viewer, you will be able to experiment with polarized light. The more viewers you make, the more fun science you can have.

Materials: 3X5 card, clear tape, scissors, and 2 lenses recovered from a pair of 3D glasses.

Start by folding the card lengthwise in half. Make a cut on the fold perpendicular to and across two of the lines on the card. Now cut parallel to the length of the card connecting the first two cuts and remove the rectangle. Save this piece as a nice book mark or love note but you do not need it for the polarizing viewer.

STEP 2: Tape the lenses to the back of the card. One lens needs to be perpendicular to the other lens. It is ok if they overlap slightly. Make sure the tape does not cover the window as it will reduce the performance of the viewer.

STEP 3: Your polarizing viewer is ready to use. Try inserting different clear objects between two cards. Rotate the cards. If you have two cards, look through one while you rotate the other. What happens? Why do you think this happens. PLEASE REMEMBER NOT TO LOOK AT THE SUN! Have fun!