Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Professional
- Duration 5 hours
- Course by Exploratorium
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Offered by
About
This is an Exploratorium teacher professional development course taught by Teacher Institute staff, open to any science teacher (particularly middle or high school level) and science enthusiast. This is a hands-on workshop that explores topics and strategies teachers can use to help their students become active investigators of light. Watch a preview video (copy and paste this link into your browser): https://youtu.be/fPvT_quBVIw There are four weeks of course content, which require 2-4 hours per week. Each module builds upon the previous one, so we strongly suggest you follow the sequence we've outlined rather than skip ahead or do the course in less time. The course is designed to give you an opportunity to learn and share with others, not test what you know. There are weekly activity and reflection assignments, but these will not be graded. To receive credit for this course, you will need to complete the peer-reviewed final assignment. As a participant, you will: - Watch videos that demonstrate natural phenomena and the Exploratorium's approach to teaching and learning - Conduct personal investigations by engaging in hands-on activities based in those phenomena - Reflect and share your experience doing activities - Discuss and identify challenges and opportunities for teaching - Devise a lesson of your own based on one or more of the activities Each week, we'll look at a different light-related topic: We will start by examining human visual perception, then take a brief historical tour of our evolving scientific understanding. We’ll also look at optics and optical instruments and finish by looking at the wave nature of light. To get the most out of this experience, you'll have to try out some activities! In return, you'll get lots of valuable teaching resources, an in-depth understanding of the subject matter, and useful tips and techniques for the classroom. NOTE: This is a hands-on workshop, so you will need to buy or find materials. All of the materials required are inexpensive and should be easy to obtain, and we welcome substitutions! A separate list of materials is available for each activity.Modules
Course Overview
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3
Videos
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3
Readings
3
Videos
- Course Preview
- Welcome to the Course
- About the Exploratorium Teacher Institute
3
Readings
- Course Format and Expectations
- Assignments and Grading
- Recorded Instructor Hangouts
Introduction
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Welcome to Perception
1
Readings
- Recommended Resources
Video Demonstrations
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6
Videos
6
Videos
- Playing with Rainbows
- Light Stick Exhibit
- Visual Channels Exhibit
- Explore Colored Shadows
- Make Your Own Bird in a Cage Illusion
- Test Your Peripheral Vision
Your Turn
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Try Perception Activities
Introduction
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Welcome to Week Two
1
Readings
- History of Light: An Overview
Video Demonstrations
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3
Videos
3
Videos
- Disappearing Glass Rods Exhibit
- Newton's Prisms Exhibit
- Build Your Own Oil Spot Photometer
Your Turn
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1
Readings
1
Readings
- Try Week Two Activities
Introduction
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Welcome to Week Three
1
Readings
- Recommended Resources
Video Demonstrations
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4
Videos
4
Videos
- Optics Lesson: How Does a Lens Work?
- Magic Wand Exhibit
- Playing with a Giant Mirror
- Poking Fun at Light
Your Turn
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1
Readings
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1
Discussion
1
Discussions
- Final Assignment Practice
1
Readings
- Try Week Three Activities
Introduction
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1
Videos
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1
Readings
1
Videos
- Welcome to Week Four
1
Readings
- Introduction to the Wave Nature of Light
Video Demonstrations
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6
Videos
6
Videos
- Long-Path Diffraction Exhibit
- Soap-Film Painting Exhibit
- Build Your Own CD Spectroscope
- Explore Interference with Soap Film on a Can
- Deepen Your Understanding with the Soap-Film Interference Model
- Measure the Efficiency of a Solar Cell
Your Turn
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1
Readings
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1
PeerReview
1
Peer Review
- Design Your Own Lesson
1
Readings
- Try Week Four Activities
Auto Summary
"Exploring Light: Hands-on Activities and Strategies for Teachers" is an enriching professional development course designed for science educators, particularly those teaching at the middle and high school levels, as well as science enthusiasts. Delivered by expert staff from the Exploratorium's Teacher Institute, this course offers a dynamic, hands-on approach to exploring light and its properties. Over four weeks, participants will immerse themselves in 2-4 hours of weekly content, including engaging videos, personal investigations, and practical activities. The course structure encourages a sequential learning experience to maximize understanding and collaboration among peers. Participants will not only observe natural phenomena but also engage in activities to conduct their own investigations, reflect on their experiences, and share insights. Key topics covered include human visual perception, the historical evolution of our understanding of light, optics and optical instruments, and the wave nature of light. Each module builds a comprehensive knowledge base, culminating in the creation of a personalized lesson plan incorporating the hands-on activities explored throughout the course. Participants will need to procure inexpensive materials for the activities, with flexibility for substitutions. In exchange, they will gain access to valuable teaching resources, an in-depth understanding of light, and practical classroom strategies. The course is available through Coursera with subscription options for both Starter and Professional plans. Designed at a professional level, this course is an excellent opportunity for educators to enhance their teaching skills and bring the fascinating world of light into their classrooms. Join this enlightening journey and become a more effective, engaging science teacher.
Zeke Kossover
Paul Doherty, PhD
Eric Muller