Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-light-color
As a science enthusiast and educator, I’m always on the lookout for professional development courses that can deepen my understanding and enhance my teaching strategies. I recently enrolled in Coursera’s ‘Exploring Light: Hands-on Activities and Strategies for Teachers’ offered by the Exploratorium Teacher Institute, and I’m excited to share my experience with you.
This course is designed primarily for middle and high school science teachers but is accessible to anyone interested in the topic of light. With a hands-on approach, it encourages participants to actively engage in activities that spark curiosity and promote inquiry-based learning—principles that should underlie every successful science classroom.
Course Structure
The course spans four weeks, each dedicated to a different aspect of light:
- Week 1: Perception – Explores how our brains interpret visual information. Activities include examining peripheral vision and creating afterimage designs.
- Week 2: History of Our Ideas About Light – A historical overview that encourages understanding through the evolution of scientific models.
- Week 3: Optics and Image Making – An engaging week focused on the science of optics and crafting lessons that promote deeper understanding through predictions and reflections.
- Week 4: The Wave Nature of Light – A dive into the wave-particle duality of light, punctuated by rich experimentations.
Key Takeaways
The course immerses you in a collaborative environment where sharing experiences and strategies with fellow participants is encouraged. The format allows for experimentation with real-world applications by gathering materials and conducting activities at home. Each week provides informative content paired with practical tasks, and the use of discussion forums enhances the learning experience by facilitating peer interaction.
A standout feature is the focus on actually integrating what you learn into your classroom practice, making this course an invaluable resource for educators. The course also encourages creativity and critical thinking, essential skills for any aspiring investigator of light.
Recommendation
If you’re a teacher looking to invigorate your curriculum or simply someone passionate about science education, I highly recommend this course. It will not only equip you with a better understanding of light but will also give you practical strategies to inspire your students to become active investigators in their own right.
You can find the course on Coursera [here](https://www.coursera.org/learn/exploring-light). Don’t forget to check out the preview video here.
Happy learning!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-light-color