✨ Phase 1 - Anticipation 💬 Discussion ⏱ 7 minutes

Task 1 - What is Colour?

A wonder trigger to awaken curiosity before any science content is introduced. First feel and question - then begin noticing scientific ideas.

Learning objectives
Engage with the topic of light and colour perception
Surface prior knowledge and initial misconceptions
Create an emotional connection to the science through beauty and wonder
Immersive opening video
⛶ Immersive
40-second slow-motion loop · Prism splitting sunlight → iridescent butterfly wing macro · Natural ambient sound at 60%
Wonder Question
Which statement do you agree with most?
Your prediction
A
The eye sees everything exactly as it is
B
Colour depends only on the object
C
Light changes what we see
D
Screens produce colour differently from nature
Silent reflection (60 seconds)
Close your eyes or look away from the screen. You have 60 seconds of silence to think about your answer before writing.
🧘
Press Start to begin 60 seconds of silence
Personal journal
I think…
I believe…
What surprises me…
Bridge to Phase 2
"Before we explain the science, stay with the question: do we see the world exactly as it is, or do our eyes and brain help construct it?"

🎬 What happens in this task

A 40-second immersive video of a prism splitting white light plays automatically. After the video, a wonder question appears phrase by phrase on a deep purple background. Students vote on one of four statements, reflect in silence for 60 seconds using a visual timer, then write a private journal entry with a sentence starter.

📖 Narration text

"Colour feels immediate and natural, but it is more mysterious than it seems. What we call colour does not live only in an object. It begins with light, depends on the eye, and is completed by the brain."

🔑 Key terms introduced

spectrum wavelength perception light
♿ SEN Adaptations
  • Read-aloud button on all on-screen text (speaker icon, top right)
  • Voice-to-text input available on journal field
  • Breathing animation alternative to circle timer (toggled in accessibility settings)
  • High-contrast display mode available
  • Poll buttons use large text with colour fill icons
  • "Skip silence" button available for students who need it
🖨️ No-Tech Format (100% analogue)
  • Teacher describes the video verbally: "Imagine white light hitting a glass prism and separating into every colour of the rainbow…"
  • Teacher reads Wonder Question aloud slowly with meaningful pauses
  • Poll by show of hands - teacher records tally on whiteboard
  • Teacher calls 60 seconds of silence verbally
  • Journal written on printed paper worksheet