Facilitation with Colored Shadows

22 min
In this workshop, teachers observe an unfamiliar phenomenon—brightly colored shadows—and use evidence to work out how those shadows are being created. Watch how the facilitator carefully draws out the participants’ ideas and explanations, exposing each learner’s thinking, and building on concepts to solve the mystery.

Dig into the Science
Check out the activity in this video and learn more about light and color. Use colored lights to make additive color mixtures and explore human color perception. Try the Colored Shadows Science Snack.

Annotations

We've highlighted several moments of pedagogical interest in this video. Turn annotations on to see them overlaid while watching, or leave annotations off and watch for approaches that might help with your own teaching.

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Investigation begins with observation (0:39)
Defining common language use removes vocabulary as an obstacle to learning (2:40)
Reflecting on facilitation after a lesson allows participants to consider their own pedagogy (3:31)
Offering varied opportunities for learners to develop thinking can bring new voices to a discussion (5:11)
Learner questions engage the entire group and provide formative assessment (6:12)
Learner-directed curiosity drives inquiry investigation (8:10)
Validating a diversity of views encourages flexible thinking (11:40)
Conclusions are derived from and validated by evidence (15:09)
Connecting observations with everyday experiences can solidify understanding (20:35)

EXPLORE THE CORE ELEMENTS OF OUR PROGRAM

Watch these short videos to explore some of the core elements that guide our interactions with teachers, and serve as building blocks for our programs and workshops. Hear what participants and staff have to say, and consider the ways in which these elements might strengthen your own work with teachers.

Teachers as Learners

“I so look forward to coming, and being a learner again.”
4 min

Professional Home

“It’s a lifelong continuum.”
7 min

Meeting Learners Where They Are

“Every student feels successful on their own terms.”
4 min

Learning Is Joyful

“There’s fun. And there’s joy. And there’s awe.”
4 min

Learn Science by Doing Science

“That’s a great way to find the truth: Do it yourself.”
6 min

Teachers Supporting Teachers

“They’re all learning together.”
6 min

A Culture of “Yes”

“It’s like loaning people hope and confidence.”
4 min

Connecting to the Classroom

“A piece of paper and a paper clip, and you have a sundial.”
4 min

EXPERIENCE A WORKSHOP

Immerse yourself in four different workshops to get a sense of our professional-learning experiences and environments. On each video, pedagogical annotations highlight moments that support science learning. You can turn these annotations on or off, depending on your needs.