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[Phys-l] pinhole camera



When I teach optics in my (high school) course, I traditionally discuss
reflection leading into plane and curved mirrors, then refraction leading
into lenses. Does anyone incorporate pinhole cameras when they teach this
topic? It has been in the back of my mind for years, but there is
little/no math involved and "higher level" textbooks rarely mention them.

I am thinking it would be a good way to show students that light travels
in straight lines, and to introduce them to real images (rather than begin
with virtual images in a plane mirror).

Does anyone have a class activity/demo/lab (or a useful web site) they
could share so I can get some ideas about how to introduce/use this simple
device (e.g., made with paper towel roll and foil) and have student begin
to understand how images are formed? A lab activity with questions is what
I'm looking for. Thanks!