Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-light-color
As a science enthusiast and educator, I am always on the lookout for professional development opportunities that can enhance my teaching methods and engage my students. Recently, I completed the course ‘Exploring Light: Hands-on Activities and Strategies for Teachers’ offered by the Exploratorium on Coursera, and I am excited to share my experience with you.
This four-week course is designed specifically for middle and high school science teachers, but it is also open to anyone interested in the fascinating world of light. The course is structured around hands-on activities that encourage teachers to become active investigators of light, making it an engaging and practical learning experience.
### Course Overview
The course kicks off with an introduction to the Exploratorium Teacher Institute’s pedagogy, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Each week focuses on different aspects of light, including perception, historical models, optics, and the wave nature of light.
**Week One: Perception**
In the first week, we explored how our brains interpret visual information. The activities encouraged us to experiment with our own perception, such as testing our peripheral vision and creating afterimage designs. This week set the tone for the course, highlighting the importance of inquiry-based learning.
**Week Two: History of Our Ideas About Light**
The second week took us through a historical timeline of light, showcasing how scientific models have evolved. We revisited famous experiments and engaged in discussions about the simplicity of models in teaching. This week was particularly enlightening, as it connected the past with current teaching practices.
**Week Three: Optics and Image Making**
In week three, we delved into optics and image-making techniques. The hands-on activities were not only fun but also provided a framework for developing lesson plans that encourage students to build and test their mental models. The collaborative aspect of sharing our experiences in the discussion forums added a valuable layer of community learning.
**Week Four: The Wave Nature of Light**
The final week focused on the dual nature of light as both a wave and a particle. We conducted experiments that deepened our understanding of light’s properties and shared our insights with peers. The course concluded with a reflective component, allowing us to synthesize our learning and provide feedback to the instructors.
### Conclusion
Overall, ‘Exploring Light’ is a fantastic course for anyone looking to enhance their teaching of light and optics. The hands-on approach, combined with collaborative discussions, makes it a unique learning experience. I highly recommend this course to science teachers and enthusiasts alike. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but you’ll also leave with practical strategies to engage your students in the wonders of light.
For those interested, you can watch a preview of the course [here](https://youtu.be/fPvT_quBVIw). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to illuminate your teaching!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teach-light-color