iridescent
![Looking at an opal through a scanning electron microscope](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/8369/opal_sem_small_size.jpg?h=e39eea65&itok=5jTuJe0x)
Colors at the Nanoscale: Butterflies, Beetles and Opals
In this activity, learners will be exposed to the term ‘Photonic Crystals,' explore some of the well-known photonic crystals in nature and will also be able observe one method that scientists use in trying to replicate this process.
Product
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/12612/morpho_seencolor_nise.jpg?itok=oX6DMvhp)
Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing (reflected light)
Magnified image of a blue morpho butterfly's wing using an Optical Microscope.
Product
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/12611/morpho_truecolor_nise.jpg?itok=Pvs1fDpU)
Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing (non-reflected light)
Magnified image of a blue morpho butterfly's wing using an Optical Microscope.
Product
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/12594/blue_morpho_ridges_nise.jpg?itok=5zhC8q2n)
Scientific Image- Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Ridges
Magnified image of blue morpho butterfly wing ridges using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
Product
![](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large/public/images/catalog/12593/blue_morpho_scale_nise.jpg?itok=y0CQbLC4)
Scientific Image - Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Scales
Magnified image of blue morpho butterfly wing scales using a Scanning Electron Microscope.
Product
![a collection of shells of different types](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/10752/img_0785_cropped.jpg?h=d770550b&itok=lSBck56O)
Why are Seashells so Strong?
In this activity, learners explore seashells and various structural models to discover that seashells are a composite material made of both inorganic and organic materials.
Product
![Closeup photo of Blue Morpho Butterfly](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/10473/screen_shot_2012-06-06_at_4.21.34_pm.png?h=9e7b4264&itok=Pu_kczbB)
Butterfly Blues video
In this O Wow Moments video, Mr. O talks about iridescence and Blue Morpho butterflies.
Product
![two children looking at Blue Morpho butterfly](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/8886/butterfly.jpg?h=aabaf923&itok=-SMZfUJN)
Exploring Structures - Butterfly
In this activity, learners investigate how butterfly wings get their color and that some wings get their color from the nanoscale structures on the wings instead of pigments.
Product
![Exploring Materials - Thin Films activity components including signs, activity materials and guides.](https://nisenet.org/sites/default/files/styles/curated_list_large_cropped/public/images/catalog/rainbow_film_kit_materials.jpg?h=7025d824&itok=xEHGGVVK)
Exploring Materials - Thin Films
In this activity, learners create a colorful bookmark using a super thin layer of nail polish on water.
Product