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 Ratings
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| Reviewed: |
Feb 23, 2004 by Teacher Education |
| Overview: |
Optics for Kids, developed by Optical Research Associates, provides a thoughtful
introduction to the science of light. Light basics, lenses, laser light,
scientists and engineers working with light, and careers in the study of light
are addressed. It geared for the elementary education level, although there are
several very good related links included for educators of all ages.
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| Learning Goals: |
Users of this site will learn about the science of light and about the roles
scientists and engineers play in studying and working with light.
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| Target Student Population: |
Elementary level students
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| Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: |
A basic understanding of the fundamentals of light is helpful, but not required.
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| Type of Material: |
Resource and reference
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| Recommended Uses: |
Elementary teachers and preservice teachers could use the Optics for Kids site
for lesson plan development in the study of light, as an introduction to a unit
on the study of light, or as a beginning point for investigation and research on
light by their students.
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| Technical Requirements: |
No special technical requirements for Optics for Kids site is needed.
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| Strengths: |
The Optics for Kids site provides clear, systematically organized information on
the study of light. The information is brief, but specific so it does not
overwhelm the reader. There are several visuals, which can be enlarged, to
support the concepts being presented. The related links offer much information
for the development of further classroom curriculum in this fascinating area of
science.
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| Concerns: |
None.
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Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool |
Rating:    |
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| Strengths: |
The site could easily compliment an in-class introduction to the study of light.
The teaching and learning goals are easy to identify with information and
visual models to assist in the achievement these goals. Students could also
review the information and conduct their own reflections for discussions,
debates, or written summaries Teachers could easily adapt or design small group
investigations or presentation assignments on one or more of the concepts or
found within this site. The Optics for Kids site could also provide a review of
the science of light concepts for teachers, middle and high school level
students.
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| Concerns: |
Since this site was developed by a commercial enterprise, it would useful to
include elementary educators viewpoints or examples of how they have used and
applied this site for instruction and perhaps aligned this information with
state or national science standards. Parents and teachers could then use the
educational viewpoints as a reference point for how they, too, might apply the
useful information found on the Optics for Kids site.
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Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty |
| Rating: |
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| Strengths: |
The Optics for Kids site has a simple and easy to navigate format. The main
page of
the information has a linking table of contents to areas further down on the
main page.
Graphics and models are easy to enlarge by clicking on them. The images used in
this site are large enough to view,
but not so large that they take any time to
load. Many additional links and related resources are also listed and linked
on the main page.
No technical support should be needed.
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| Concerns: |
None.
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| Other Issues and Comments: |
This is a well-organized, useful and friendly site for students, teachers,
preservice teachers and parents. It is certainly a positive thing to have a
company such as Optical Research Associates take the time to invest in
the education of elementary students.
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