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EXPLORING LIGHT SPEED, REFRACTION AND DISPERSION WITH OZOBOTS: A HANDS-ON APPROACH TO SCIENCE EDUCATION
1 University of Porto (PORTUGAL)
2 Colégio INED Porto (PORTUGAL)
About this paper:
Appears in: EDULEARN24 Proceedings
Publication year: 2024
Page: 7188 (abstract only)
ISBN: 978-84-09-62938-1
ISSN: 2340-1117
doi: 10.21125/edulearn.2024.1700
Conference name: 16th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 1-3 July, 2024
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
This work presents an innovative approach to teaching fundamental concepts of light speed and refraction and dispersion using Ozobot, a versatile educational tool for coding and robotics. In traditional science education, understanding the behaviour of light as it travels through different mediums and experiences refraction can be challenging for students. This work aims to bridge this gap by introducing an interactive and engaging method that leverages Ozobot's capabilities to facilitate hands-on exploration.

The first aspect addressed in this work is the difference in light speed according to its frequencies and its behaviour as it transitions perpendicularly from one medium to another, such as from air to glass. By using Ozobot's programmable features, students are guided through activities that demonstrate how light speed varies with different frequencies and how it interacts with various mediums.

Furthermore, this work explores the concept of light refraction and dispersion for oblique incidence when the light traverses from air to another medium, such as glass, focusing on how this phenomenon differs according to light frequencies. Through experimentation and observation, students gain insights of light phenomena.

Through carefully designed experiments and interactive simulations using Ozobots, students are guided to observe and analyse the bending of light rays as they pass through different mediums. By engaging with hands-on activities, students develop a deeper understanding of how refraction and dispersion occurs and how it affects the path of light.

The methodology presented in this work emphasises active learning and inquiry-based approaches, allowing students to actively participate in the exploration of scientific concepts. By incorporating Ozobot into the classroom environment, educators can enhance the effectiveness of teaching light speed, refraction and dispersion, fostering curiosity and critical thinking skills among students.

In conclusion, this work proposes the use of Ozobots as a pedagogical tool for teaching light speed, refraction and dispersion concepts. By providing students with interactive and hands-on experiences, educators can create engaging learning environments that promote deeper understanding and retention of scientific principles.
Keywords:
Ozobot, light speed, refraction, light dispersion, science education, hands-on learning, interactive teaching, physics teaching.