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Trick or Science: Catching the Light Lesson Overview



Students will engage and perform different challenges to obtain knowledge about how light reflects off of surfaces and how light is refracted when changing mediums. The students will be able to observe, explain, and model reflection and refraction through a series of inquiry light stations.

Resources

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Duration
(2) 45 minute class periods
Setting
Classroom
Grouping
Small groups/stations
PTI Inquiry
2.1, 3.7, 4.1, 5.2, 7.2
Lesson Components Time Inquiry Skills Tech. Used Engage Level Brief Description
Engage 5 min 5.2 video 2 Students watch a video with “tricks” involving reflection and refraction.
Explore 40 min 3.7 none 3 Students go to different stations and explore reflection and refraction.
Explain 15 min 4.1 none 3 Students explain each station and connect vocabulary to each activity.
Expand 15 min 2.1 none 3 Students design their own mirror trick using reflection and refraction.
Evaluate 15 min 7.2 none 2 Students will complete a summative assessment on reflection and refraction. Student will apply their knowledge to a short response scenario.

Level of Student Engagement

1 Low Listen to lecture, observe the teacher, individual reading, teacher demonstration, teacher-centered instruction
2 Medium Raise questions, lecture with discussion, record data, make predictions, technology interaction with assistance
3 High Hands-on activity or inquiry; critique others, draw conclusions, make connections, problem-solve, student-centered

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