Active learning ideas
In this unit, students explore the fundamental properties of light, including its travel in straight lines and its behavior when encountering different surfaces. The NCCA curriculum emphasizes 'Investigating and experimenting,' which here involves using mirrors for reflection and lenses or water for refraction. Students also delve into the visible spectrum, discovering how white light is composed of many colors.
Activity 01
Stations include: 1) Using mirrors to hit a target with a beam, 2) Observing a pencil 'break' in a glass of water, and 3) Creating a rainbow with a prism. Students record their 'laws of light' at each stop.
How does light travel through different mediums?
Activity 02
Students work in pairs to design and build a working periscope using cardboard tubes and small mirrors. They must calculate the angles needed to see over a barrier.
What happens when light hits a mirror or a prism?
Activity 03
The teacher shows a shadow cast by a colored light. Students discuss in pairs why the shadow is a certain color and how light blocking works before sharing with the class.
Why do objects appear to have different colours?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
We see because light comes out of our eyes.
This is a common ancient belief. Using a 'black box' experiment where students try to see an object with no light source helps them realize light must enter the eye from an external source.
Light only reflects off mirrors.
Light reflects off everything we can see. Peer discussion about why we can see a wooden table versus a mirror helps students understand the difference between diffuse and specular reflection.
Methods used in this brief
Sound Waves and Vibrations
An examination of how sound is produced by vibrations and travels through various materials. Students explore pitch and volume.
8 methodologies
Applications of Light and Sound
Students explore how light and sound technologies are used in everyday life and communication. They consider the impact of noise pollution.
8 methodologies