December 8th

Title: Refraction of Light Subject SNC2P

Time: 8:05am-9:25am Strand: Light & Optics

Desired Results

Lesson Description
The purpose of this lesson is to continue the information on refraction but to be able to
apply it to real life. For example, using the handout provided to the students we will be
discussing how refraction influences fibre optics and diamonds. To begin, I will show a
youtube clip of how diamonds refract light.
Once the youtube clip is over, I will discuss the handout and explain how refraction
applies to the world around us.
After discussing the applications of refraction, the students will work on a virtual
refraction lab. Using PHET Physics website, the students will complete and interactive
lab intended to give them practice at applying their knowledge, and learning how to
properly measure refraction with a ray diagram.

Ontario Curricular Overall Expectations

E2. Investigate, through inquiry, properties of light, and predict its behaviour in mirrors
and as it passes through different media.
E3. Demonstrate an understanding of characteristics and properties of light, particularly
with respect to reflection and refraction and the addition and subtraction of colour.

Ontario Curricular Specific Expectations

E2.1 use appropriate terminology related to light and optics
E2.3 use an inquiry process to investigate the refraction of light as it passes through a
variety of media.
E3.4 describe qualitatively how visible light is refracted at the interface between two
different media.

Lesson Goal
To apply the principals of optics to real life
To demonstrate inquiry skills of performing, recording and analyzing data
To use a ray diagram to illustrate how light bends

Success Criteria
I can explain how refraction works in real life situations
I can draw a ray diagram illustrating the principals of refraction
 Assessment

Assessment Mode: oral/ performance/ written, Assessment Strategy, Assessment Tool

Application of refraction handout
Refraction of Light Lab

Materials

Application of refraction handout

Refraction of Light Lab

Lesson Format: What Teachers Do/Say

Motivational Hook/engagement /introduction (5-10 min) Minds on

Quick review of what Total Internal Reflection is
How its made diamond video

During /working on it/action (Hands on) What the students are doing
After the lesson we will begin the lab
Students will enter PHET Physics Refraction to complete the online interactive
lab
When completing the activity online, students will be fill out a table for data and
discussion questions on the lab sheet

After: Consolidation: Reflect and Connect (10 min)

Take up lab
Take up discussion questions

Extension Activities/Next Steps

The knowledge from this lesson will contribute to the units end test

Special Education Notes: Differentiated Instruction considerations/accommodations/

assessment

Videos for visual learners

Fill in the blank notes
Accommodations for students includes:
Extended time for work
Reduced amount of written work
Visual learning
Frequent breaks
 Refraction of Light through Different
Media
Type of
Angle
Angle of 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Incidenc
e
Angle of 0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Refractio
n in AIR
Angle of 0 6 13 20 25 33 37
Refractio
n in
Water
Angle of 0 5 11 17 23 28 33
Refractio
n in
Glass

Questions :
1. What happened to the angle of refraction as you increased the angle of incidence
beyond O degrees.
2. Describe how the refracted light ray in the water bent in relationship to the normal.
3. How did the results change when you replaced water with glass?
4. Rank the three media ( air , water and glass) in order , starting with the media that
refracted the most to the least.
5. Rank the three media in order, starting with the one which light travels the fastest to
the slowest. How did you decide on this ranking ?