Using 5E inquiry for learning nested dielectrics objects rendering

Nested dielectrics refer to non-metallic objects which do not conduct electricity modelled within other non-metallic objects. It is a difficult problem to render in this situation, especially transparent objects. In 3D rendering, when nested dielectric objects need different physical rendering properties such as a glass of cola and ice for having realistic results from rendering, it can cause confusion in rendering and results in negative learning effects for students. In this research, we use 5E inquiry to teach nested dielectrics objects rendering. The assignment is given to the students to evaluate their understanding. We divide the rubric score into 3 parts: key concepts in physics of light absorption, refractive index followed by the 3D modelling approach, and finally, applying physics concepts for nested dielectric objects rendering. The results were analysed from students’ scores in each part. It is found that learning with this sequence, 20 percent of students can understand clearly, 68 percent partially understand and 12 percent misunderstand.