Game that uses laser beams to explore light's properties
Community Review for Quantum Spectre
My Take
I would use Quantum Spectre as either an inquiry activity or reinforcement activity. I do not feel comfortable giving this to students for homework as I could see my students getting very frustrated with certain levels and giving up at home. Instead I would make sure to give in-class time and also pair them up with another student so they can work together if/when they get stuck. I was disappointed to see that there wasn't a help/hint section for students.
How I Use It
I love letting students learn through doing. I would introduce a very basic definition of reflection and refraction in class. I would then let them take some time in class to "play/explore" through Level 1 Puzzle 1-23. I would break up the levels into small lessons. For example, I would have my students stop when they reach Level 1 Puzzle 24. I would bring them back together as a class to introduce concave mirrors (this might even happen during another class on a different day). I would also point out the different number of dots on the concave mirrors in the game. Again I would give them time to "play/explore" through the end of Level 1. Depending on the age of students you might not want them to progress to Level 2 or you may want to give it as a challenge when students finish their other work. Some of the puzzles in Level 2 would be very difficult for many of my younger students.