Since the Light unit is divided into activity subunits, each of which is largely independent, different directions and emphasis can be taken depending on the requirements of the curriculum or learning aims of the teacher. For example, Activity 1.6 (Exploring Mirrors) replaces the traditional ‘parallax and pins’ method of determining the relationship between the angle of incidence and reflection from a plane mirror with a method involving straws that students must look through. Although the experiment yields the same end result, the use of straws reinforces the ‘ray model’ of light since only light travelling through the straws (ie in a straight line) is used. Activity 1.6 could therefore be used as a precursor to Activity 1.3 involving the formation of shadows.
The subunits consist of the following activities, which are presented in an exemplary sequence:
Subunit 1: Introducing Light
|
Activity |
Inquiry Type |
E-emphasis |
|
1.1 Sources of light |
Interactive discussion |
Engagement |
|
1.2 How does light travel? |
Interactive discussion/demonstration, guided discovery |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.3 Understanding shadows |
Guided inquiry |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.4 Exploring white light and filters |
Guided discovery |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.5 Exploring primary colours |
Interactive discussion/demonstration |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.6 Exploring mirrors |
Guided discovery |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.7 Exploring refraction |
Interactive discussion/demonstration |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
1.8 Exploring lenses |
Guided discovery |
Exploration, Explanation |
Subunit 2: Exploring Light
|
Activity |
Inquiry Type |
E-emphasis |
|
2.1 Investigating mirror images |
Guided discovery |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
2.2 Investigating Snell’s law |
Guided inquiry |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
2.3 Studying real and apparent depths |
Interactive discussion/demonstration, guided discovery |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation |
|
2.4 Investigating lenses |
Guided inquiry |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
2.5 Optical Storage |
Guided discovery |
Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
2.6 How do sunglasses work? |
Guided inquiry |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation, Elaborate |
|
2.7 Why are sunsets red? |
Interactive discussion/demonstration |
Engagement, Exploration, Explanation |