In this demonstration, amaze learners by performing simple tricks using mirrors. These …
In this demonstration, amaze learners by performing simple tricks using mirrors. These tricks take advantage of how a mirror can reflect your right side so it appears to be your left side. To make the effect more dramatic, cover the mirror with a cloth, climb onto the table, straddle the mirror, and then drop the cloth as you appear to "take off." This resource contains information about how this trick was applied during the making of the movie "Star Wars."
This article lists common misconceptions about light, heat, and the sun. It …
This article lists common misconceptions about light, heat, and the sun. It provides formative assessment probes and information about teaching for conceptual change.
In this optics/mathematics activity, learners use two hinged mirrors to create a …
In this optics/mathematics activity, learners use two hinged mirrors to create a kaleidoscope that shows multiple images of an object. Learners discover that the number of images reflected in the mirrors depends on the angle between the mirrors. Learners also observe that when they set the hinged mirrors on top of a third mirror, they create a reflector that always sends light back in the direction from which it came. Use this activity to introduce basic principles of light and optics including angle of reflection and angle of incidence.
Problem solving is often guided by disciplinary frames of reference, which can …
Problem solving is often guided by disciplinary frames of reference, which can restrict our ability to see other possibilities. This exercise uses object-based learning to underscore the idea that there is more than one way of analyzing and knowing the world, and that through multiple ways of knowing, we develop more complex understandings and new solutions. Through the process of critique, an essential part of visual-arts pedagogy, students practice analyzing and reflecting both individually and in groups.
This issue of the free online magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, …
This issue of the free online magazine, Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears, explores the Sun's role in warming Earth, the albedo (reflectivity) of Earth's diverse surfaces, and how the decline of Arctic sea ice is affecting Earth's energy balance. Science lessons introduce the concepts of solar energy, reflection, and absorption to elementary students. The issue also includes an overview of the natural resources and energy sources found in the polar regions as well as lessons that allow students to develop the concepts of natural resources, energy sources, and energy efficiency.
This article features science lesson plans to teach elementary students about the …
This article features science lesson plans to teach elementary students about the sun's energy, the relationship between light and heat, albedo, and the absorption of different surfaces. National standards and literacy integrations are provided for each lesson.
In this activity, learners use gelatin as a lens to investigate the …
In this activity, learners use gelatin as a lens to investigate the properties of laser light. Learners can view total internal reflection of a beam of light and investigate angles of reflection and refraction. Using different colors of gelatin demonstrates its color filtering properties. Use this activity to help learners explore light reflection and refraction, wavelengths, color, and lenses.
Learners use two mirrors to explore how images of images of images …
Learners use two mirrors to explore how images of images of images can repeat forever. This resource includes a light-ray diagram to help learners understand what they are seeing -- images appear to be grouped in pairs with a front side always facing a front side and a back side always facing a back side. Learners can assist in assembling the Infinity Mirror or use one that has been pre-assembled.
In this video segment from Cyberchase, the CyberSquad breaks down an action …
In this video segment from Cyberchase, the CyberSquad breaks down an action into a series of steps in order to program a robot to do what they need it to do.
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with …
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with geometric shapes, focusing on regular polygons. Notes (two copies: a student version and also an answer key, both as a Word doc and a PDF), assignment, and cut-out shapes are provided.
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with …
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with geometric shapes, focusing on regular polygons. Notes (two copies: a student version and also an answer key, both as a Word doc and a PDF), assignment, and cut-out shapes are provided.***The BULK of this lesson (All the really well done parts) were not me, but were done by Kimberly. My addition was the Geogebra aspect
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with …
This is a lesson plan that introduces rotational and reflectional symmetry with geometric shapes, focusing on regular polygons. Notes (two copies: a student version and also an answer key, both as a Word doc and a PDF), assignment, and cut-out shapes are provided. There is a final project, with both instructions and an example included. Cover image: Christensen, K., 2022. Reflectional Symmetry of an Atom [screenshot] (Keynote presentation, Rotational and Reflectional Symmetry Assignment).
This article describes the energy that radiates from the sun, the concept …
This article describes the energy that radiates from the sun, the concept of albedo, Earth's radiation budget, and the effect of decreasing albedo on Earth's climate.
In this art meets science activity, learners pack silver, ball-shaped ornaments in …
In this art meets science activity, learners pack silver, ball-shaped ornaments in a single layer in a box to create an array of spherical reflectors. Learners can use this as a tool to study the properties of spherical mirrors while creating colorful mosaic reflections. This is a great optics activity to use during the holiday season or any time of year.
This course covers the derivation of symmetry theory; lattices, point groups, space …
This course covers the derivation of symmetry theory; lattices, point groups, space groups, and their properties; use of symmetry in tensor representation of crystal properties, including anisotropy and representation surfaces; and applications to piezoelectricity and elasticity.
This article discusses the importance of teaching students to reflect on text …
This article discusses the importance of teaching students to reflect on text through direct instruction and modeling. The article includes a template that can be used with elementary students.
This article provides an overview of the free online tool VoiceThread and …
This article provides an overview of the free online tool VoiceThread and discusses how elementary teachers might use it in language arts and science classes. Resources provided.
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