… an introduction to refraction and reflection of light

The Blind Fireflies present…

Light is a broad subject.We focus on:ReflectionRefractionDispersion

Level AgesPreschool 3 – 6 y/oPrimary school 7 – 11 y/oSecondary school 12 – 18 y/o

Preschool Primary school Secondary school

Have experience with the Maze

Explain the Maze

Build a Maze (optional)

Know that light travels in a straight line (rays/beams)

Know that light is reflected by mirrors

Know that reflection has specific angles

Calculate and predict reflection angles

Know refraction

Calculate with refraction

Know the difference between light and darkness

Understand the difference between light and darkness

Know that light can be dispersed by prismatic tools (that light consists of several colours)

Know that colours of light can be filtered

Explain dispersion

Use correct terminology on the topic of light

The Maze can have variable size, small enough to be put on a table or that large, that it fits better on the ground, surrounded by pupils.

The room should have dimmed lights.

The Maze can be adapted to include angle meters around the knobs and switches for use in secondary school

Torches white lightLasers monochromatic lightObstacles block any lightMirrors reflectionPrisms dispersionFilters filter one colour of light (semi)transparent materials, like

perspex refraction and reflection

Discoballs and hamsters just for fun

Setup the Maze in a corner of the classroom

Let the pupils experiment with it in groups of 2 or 3.

Let them experiment 15-30 minutes with a limited amount of guidance.

Finally, do a circle talk about their experiences.

Setup a large Maze somewhere in school Give the pupils assignments like:

Use a torch, 2 mirrors and a prism and make window 1 light up red and window 3 blue. Don’t light anything else.

Let them experiment with as many students at once as the Maze can support.

Finally, discuss in class the correct solutions about their experiences.

Use the assignments from primary school

Explain the pupils the laws of reflection and refraction.

Let them predict by calculation the settings needed to complete the assignments.

Check their answers and explain any problems

Optionally, some pupils could do a (research) project: They could build a Maze of Light

Role of the teacherLeader and instructorNot dominantAvailable for questionsResponsibilty goes to pupils

Picture and perspective of scienceScience can be fun!TeamworkSocial skillsScience starts at young age

Connection to societyUse museums and experiment

centersGo visit or arrange a guest speaker

The “-ism”sEssentialism and Progressivism

recommendedDepending on teacher: possibly

reconstructivism and/or perennialism

The use of ICTSimulationGames

Make a computer simulatorBuild a Maze with multiple levelsAdapt the Maze to teach shadows

and silhouets

We would like to thank you all for a wonderfull two weeks!