Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 06/29/04

9-12

H2:Examine and describe how light is reflected and refracted (deflected) by mirrors and lenses.

Curriculum Organizing Questions

  • What would you predict would happen to light interacting with this material?
  • How might you explain why light interacts with this material in this way?
Elaboration

Experimentation with a variety of light sources, lenses, and mirrors provides experience for both qualitative and quantitative descriptions.

Specific Ideas

  • Light waves superimpose, bend, reflect or are absorbed depending on their wavelengths.Benchmarks 4F6.
  • Light slows down when it enters a denser medium.Science Matters p. 106.
  • Waves move at different speeds in different materials.Science Matters p. 107.
  • Light interacts with matter by transmission (including refraction), absorption, or scattering (including reflection). Science Matters p. 107.
  • A mirror reflects light by scattering it.Science Matters p.107.
  • Lenses refract light by transmission.Science Matters p. 106.
  • Angle of incidence (light coming into the surface) = angle of reflection.Science Matters p. 107.
Developmental & Instructional Implications

Children often hold a considerable number of misconceptions about light that may affect instruction. Driver et al offer a detailed discussion of children's difficulties with the ideas associated with light on pages 128-132.

Examples

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