Scientific Inquiry with Mirrors

10 min
In this workshop, teachers guided through explorations at mirrors use experiments to answer questions. Watch how the facilitator uses the practices of science and experimentation—rather than simply transmitting facts and formulas—to support each learner’s conceptual understanding.

Dig into the Science
Check out the activity in this video and learn more about reflections. Discover for yourself that mirrors don’t reverse up and down—or left and right. Try the Mirror Reversal 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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A simple demonstration can initiate important thinking (2:49)
Establishing techniques with simple examples prepares learners for more complex situations (3:26)
Explorations based on familiar observations and experiences respect the context of the learner (4:17)
Introducing scientific terminology during direct experience with phenomena gives learners context for vocabulary (4:51)
Classroom connections provide relevancy for teachers (5:49)
Responding to questions with investigations, rather than direct answers, illustrates the scientific process while supporting content understanding (6:07)
Anticipating questions and preparing supporting materials can extend learning (8:23)

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.