Practical Science for 11-16s: Refraction and dispersion of light
Monday 18th January 2027
10-12am
Location: Wesley Hall, Crookes, Sheffield.
Details
Students will be supported to carry out a range of student-led explorations and investigations to explore refraction and dispersion of light. They will be supported to develop the experimental skills that are assessed in IGCSE examinations. They will have opportunities to further their knowledge and understanding of ray diagrams, the refractive index, total internal reflection and the law of refraction, and to develop exam technique and understanding of key words and terminology.
All tasks are carefully differentiated to allow students at any stage of their IGCSE journey to access learning at a level that is suitable to them individually.
Included in your booking
- Small-group teaching (maximum 10 students) from Amanda, an experienced IGCSE science specialist, qualified teacher (PGCE, QTS) and STEAM Impact Award winner.
- Practical investigations using specialist laboratory equipment and materials.
- Carefully designed activities that develop practical skills, scientific understanding and exam confidence.
- Take-home exam questions, mark schemes and model answers linked directly to the practical work completed during the session.
AQA Unit Award Scheme session - this session will include opportunities for students who are enrolled in the scheme to gain AQA accredited certification in this topic (students who are not enrolled will not notice any difference!)
Relevant curriculum links
(Opportunities provided, if appropriate, on an individual basis)
Edexcel IGCSE Physics (4PH1):
3.14 know that light waves are transverse waves and that they can be reflected and refracted
3.15 use the law of reflection (the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection)
3.16 draw ray diagrams to illustrate reflection and refraction
3.17 practical: investigate the refraction of light, using rectangular blocks, semi-circular blocks and triangular prisms
3.18 know and use the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
3.20 describe the role of total internal reflection in transmitting information along optical fibres and in prisms
3.21 explain the meaning of critical angle c
3.22 know and use the relationship between critical angle and refractive index:
Cambridge IGCSE Physics (CAIE 0972):
3.1 - 5 Know that for a transverse wave, the direction of vibration is at right angles to the direction of propagation and understand that electromagnetic radiation can be modelled as transverse
3.1 - 7 Describe how waves can undergo: (b) refraction due to a change of speed
3.2.2 - 1 Define and use the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction
3.2.2 - 2 Describe an experiment to show refraction of light by transparent blocks of different shapes
3.2.2 - 3 Describe the passage of light through a transparent material
3.2.2 - 4 State the meaning of critical angle
3.2.2 - 5 Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection using both experimental and everyday examples
3.2.2 - 5 Define refractive index, n, as the ratio of the speeds of a wave in two different regions
3.2.2 - 7 Recall and use the equation n = sini sinr
3.2.2 - 8 Recall and use the equation n = 1 sinc
3.2.2 - 9 Describe the use of optical fibres, particularly in telecommunications
Registration
Upon booking you will receive an automated receipt of your payment by email. You will receive a further email from Sparking STEM within one business day, with confirmation of your booking and a link to complete registration for your student(s). Registration will provide you with the opportunity to notify Sparking STEM of any particular needs your child may have.
Please check your junk / spam folder. If you have not heard received confirmation of your booking within one business day please contact Sparking STEM.
Policies
Please read the following policies carefully registrations cannot be processed without agreement to these policies:
By making this booking you are agreeing to the cancellation policy.
