A 60 minute lesson in which students will observe the refraction of light at the surfaces of different transparent materials.
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.
Resources
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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