ERIC Number: EJ868968
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009-Dec
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0036-8148
EISSN: N/A
Seeing the Light
Sportel, Samuel; Bruxvoort, Crystal; Jadrich, James
Science and Children, v47 n4 p37-41 Dec 2009
Conceptually, students are typically introduced to light as a type of wave. However, children struggle to understand this model because it is highly abstract. Light can be represented more concretely using the photon model. According to this scientific model, light emanates from sources as tiny "packets" of energy (called "photons") that move in straight lines and are reflected, absorbed, or passed through objects. Given that the photon model more concretely represents light, this model offers a greater opportunity for children to meaningfully learn this concept. The following lessons describe how to teach light and color using the photon model. (Contains 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Models, Teaching Methods, Light, Energy, Elementary School Science, Science Education, Science Instruction, Color
National Science Teachers Association. 1840 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201-3000. Tel: 800-722-6782; Fax: 703-243-3924; e-mail: membership@nsta.org; Web site: http://www.nsta.org
Publication Type: Guides - Classroom - Teacher; Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A