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Online Short Course

Light Illustration from the book

Why is left right and right left in the mirror? Baffled by the basics of reflection and refraction? Wondering just how the eye works? If you have trouble teaching concepts about light that you don’t fully grasp yourself, the new NSTA Online Short Course: Light will help. The course addresses the topics that science teachers and parents need to know to teach about light with confidence. This is the perfect course for science teachers interested in learning more about the topic or for those who would like a refresher course. Two graded, graduate Credits will be available for an additional fee.



Course Details

The NSTA Online Short Course: Light will explore ray, wave, and particle models of light to explain the basics of reflection and refraction, optical instruments, polarization, interference, and diffraction. The course is based on the NSTA Press publication Light: Stop Faking It! Finally Understanding Science So You Can Teach It written by Dr. William Robertson.


The presenters will guide participants through easy-to-understand explanations and facilitate discussions that will enhance teacher knowledge of common physical science concepts. In addition, participants will contribute to asynchronous weekly discussions and complete suggested reading assignments from the Light e-book, journal articles, and NSTA’s Nature of Light SciPack and SciGuide.


Participants should plan to spend between 40-45 hours on this online course, including time spent attending live Web sessions. This Online Short Course is designed for educators of grades 3–9.


See an example of the course syllabus. For more information on the presenters, credits, computer requirements, and more, see the menu at left.



For more information contact shortcourses@nsta.org


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