Using principles of subtractive colors to teach color of pigments: A 5e learning cycle lesson for pre-service elementary teachers

A 5E lesson plan was designed for pre-service elementary teachers to understand the nature of pigment colors by observing visible absorption spectra obtaining from a spectrophotometer. Twentyfour pre-service elementary teachers participated in this 5E learning cycle lesson. There were 4 concepts in the lesson plan: color vision, primary colors, spectrophotometry (wavelength and absorbed light) and visual colors. This lesson involved 3 main hands-on activities, i.e., mixing color inks on color plates, color mixing using a computer program and the determination of the wavelength at the maximum absorption of ink pigments. Instruments for data collection were pre-test, post-test, student projects, student reflection, student perception and classroom observation. After the lesson, students had better understanding of the nature of pigment color as supported by the post-test that gains over the pre-test. They were able to design their own experiments and achieved the understanding of light absorption and reflection, concepts that are of basic importance for further in-depth study. Also, the pre-service teachers' perceptions toward this lesson were positive. Moreover, it was stated that the hands-on experiment was crucial for learning and helped them to understand better. However, more time and guidance were needed to learn more about this topic.