Why Does the Pencil Look Broken? Exploring Refraction at Thinking Pathways

🔍 At Thinking Pathways, we believe that science should be seen, touched, and wondered about before it’s memorized. That’s why our tutor began this physics lesson not with a textbook—but with a red paper cup, a pencil, and a curious question: “Why does the pencil look broken in water?”

The answer lies in one of the most fascinating principles of optics—refraction.

💡 What Is Refraction?

Refraction happens when light travels from one material into another and changes speed. In this case, light moves from air into water. Because water is denser than air, light slows down and bends as it enters the water. This bending of light causes objects to appear distorted or shifted.

So when you look at a pencil placed in a glass of water, the part of the pencil that’s submerged appears to be in a different position than the part above the water. Your eyes think the pencil is broken—but it’s just the light playing tricks!

Here’s how it works:

• Light rays from the pencil travel through water, then hit the surface and enter the air.

• As they cross the boundary between water and air, they bend.

• Your brain assumes light travels in a straight line, so it misinterprets the pencil’s position.

This is why the pencil looks bent or broken—it’s an optical illusion caused by refraction.

🧪 Learning Through Wonder

Our tutor didn’t just explain refraction—she showed it. Students watched the pencil “break,” then explored other examples like lenses, prisms, and even rainbows. They asked questions, made predictions, and saw physics in action.

This “show and tell before we learn and excel” approach is a core part of our teaching philosophy. We want students to experience science with curiosity and joy, not just memorize facts. When they see it, they believe it—and when they believe it, they understand it.

🌈 Science That Sticks

At Thinking Pathways, we turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. A pencil in water becomes a gateway to understanding light, vision, and the nature of reality. And for KS3 learners, these hands-on experiences make science memorable and meaningful.

So next time you see a “broken” pencil in a cup, smile—you’ve just witnessed the magic of refraction.