Hands on-Minds on

Engagement through
Remote Learning
Lynn Jorgensen, Physics Teacher, Arizona, USA
Today’s focus: Optics

● Ray diagrams
● Shadow formations
● Pinhole cameras
● Plane mirror lab
● Reflection vs refraction
● Other topics
An augmented approach to learning
1. Students DO an activity. Make observations, take measurements, make
rough diagrams on own.
2. They email me their observations, so I know ahead of time how to direct
the lesson.
3. In a webinar format, we discuss their observations. I use drawing tools to
explain the WHY and HOW.
4. Students do relevant practice work to apply the activity and discussion.
5. The next activity builds upon the first.
Shadow Formation:

Materials:

An object

Flashlight

Ruler
Student Observation Expectations:
Class discussion lesson:
Application:
Worksheet Practice

Reading on Light Rays

 Pinhole Camera
Material needed:

Paper towel tube

Aluminum Foil

Rubber band (hair elastic works too)

Wax paper, or like material

How to Build and How to Use:
Student Observation Expectations:
Draw your light source on one side of the tube.

Draw the image AS YOU SAW IT on the other side of the tube.

Why do you think this happened?

Class discussion lesson:
Application:
Student Assignment:

Worksheet to Practice

Test with pinhole camera

 Plane Mirror Pre-Lab Simulation

Pre-Lab Activity-Plane Mirror simulation, The Physics Classroom

Record observations from simulation before class lab/activity

 Plane Mirror Lab
Plane Mirror Lab
Materials:

Paper

Mirror

Object

Ruler/protractor
Student Observation Expectations:
Class discussion lesson:
Class activity:

Simulation: Who Can See Who, The Physics Classroom

Use chat to have students commit their answers. Then check as a class.
Application:
Worksheet practice
 Reflection vs Refraction:
Snell’s Law simulation, Phet

Flashlight with slit

Clear container of water

Highlighter or food coloring

Plane Mirror
Class discussion lesson:

Refraction simulation, The Physics Classroom

Reflection and Refraction of Light, Apps on Physics

 Internal Reflection:

Critical Angle , The Exploratorium

Application:

Interactive Lecture Demonstration, University of Oregon

Other:
Activities with a water prism (glass full of water)

Color mixing with light

Curved Mirrors

Lenses

Prisms and Rainbows

Additional Resources:
American Modeling Teachers Association
Remind
StemAzing Project
Perusall
Phet

Edulastic