Ampaporn MunmaiPintip RuenwongsaBhinyo PanijpanNatalie BarmanPaula A. MageeEkasith SomsookMahidol UniversityIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis2018-05-032018-05-032011-12-01International Journal of Learning. Vol.18, No.1 (2011), 203-21814479540144794942-s2.0-84855784532https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/12866A 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. © Common Ground, Ampaporn Munmai, Pintip Ruenwongsa, Bhinyo Panijpan, Natalie Barman, Paula A. Magee, Ekasith Somsook.Mahidol UniversitySocial SciencesArticleSCOPUS