Lesson Plan
Lesson 6: Refracting Light
A 60 minute lesson in which students will observe the refraction of light at the surfaces of different transparent materials.
This lesson plan includes the following resources:
Preparation
Prior to conducting the lesson, review the procedure and equipment required for the activities.Equipment
- Water
- paper
- clear drinking cups/glasses
- torches
- pencils
- large glass bowls
- small glass bowls
Lesson Plan
This lesson contains a link to an external video. Please watch the video prior to presenting this lesson to ensure that the content is appropriate for your students.
Tuning In
- Revisit what happens when light hits an object, as outlined on slides 7-8 of the Light Fantastic PowerPoint. Add the words ‘reflection’, ‘absorption’ and transmit’ to the class word wall display.
- Watch the Refraction of Light video on YouTube. Afterwards, revisit slide 9. Define refraction as the ‘bending’ of light as it passes through different substances or media.
Teacher Instruction
- Explain to the students that, during this lesson, they will be completing a number of activities that will allow them to observe refraction. Project the Refracting Light – Science Task Cards on the board and explain each of the activities. Allow the students to ask questions where necessary.
Guided/Independent Learning
- Monitor and support the students as they complete the activities. The tasks can be completed as whole class exercises/demonstrations or as small group rotations (mixed ability groups are recommended). Each task should take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
- As the students complete each activity, encourage them to discuss the ‘Think’ question at the bottom of the task card. Alternatively, these could be discussed as a class once all the activities have been completed.
Wrapping Up
- Refer back to the definition of refraction. Discuss how this understanding may help explain the observations from the activities.
Differentiation
Extending Students
- Encourage more capable students to explain how refraction explains what is observed in the activities.
Supporting Students
- Allow less confident students to work closely with more capable peers during group work.
Assessment Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
- used strategic whole class or individual questioning
- observed student participation during learning activities
- recorded student progress on a checklist
- annotated student work samples
- collected and reviewed student work samples
- facilitated whole class or peer feedback sessions
- encouraged student self-reflection
- administered formal assessment tasks.
NSW Curriculum alignment
- ST3-8PW-ST
Explains how energy is transformed from one form to another
- ST3-8PW-ST
Explains how energy is transformed from one form to another
Victorian Curriculum alignment
Australian Curriculum alignment
- ACSSU080
Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
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