NEW AQA Physics (2016) - Light and colour

This lesson is designed for the NEW AQA Physics GCSE, particularly the ‘Light’ SoW.

For more lessons designed to meet specification points for the NEW AQA Trilogy specifications for Biology, Chemistry and Physics please see my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/SWiftScience

The lesson begins with a description of how visible light is split up into seven colours of the rainbow, and this can be demonstrated by splitting light through a prism. This could be a teacher demonstration for the class too. Students will be shown a diagram of light being split by a prism, and students will be told that colour in the visible spectrum of light has its own narrow band of wavelength and frequency.

The next part of the lesson focuses on how we are able to see colour, based upon wavelengths of light that are absorbed/reflected by the object. An example is shown of a red book, with white (visible) light hitting the object, and only the red wavelength of light is reflected. A few more diagrams are given as examples, a purple object and a white object.

Next, colour filters are introduced to students and some information is provided about how colour filters work by absorbing certain wavelengths and transmitting other wavelengths. Students will be then be asked some questions to assess their understanding of this topic, this is on worksheet. The answers to this task are included in the presentation, so students can self-assess their work. Students will also complete a quick check task, to assess their understanding of the lesson so far, as well as a copy-and-complete activity.

The last part of the lesson is on transparent, translucent and opaque objects, students will be given a description of how each of these three types of objects are able to either transmit/absorb light. Then, students will complete a worksheet containing exam-style questions on the topic of the lesson. The mark scheme for this task is included so students can either peer-assess or self-assess their work.

The plenary task requires students to summarise what they have learned in three facts, three key words and one question.

All resources are included. Thanks for looking, if you have any questions please let me know at swyftresources@gmail.com.