Let's Explore Light

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

1

Overview

Investigate sources of light and use various media such as time-lapse and live-action videos and a digital game to explore how objects in darkness can only be visible when they are illuminated by light. This lesson includes an interactive lesson that allows students to get a close-up view of how light moves away from a source and changes directions when its path is blocked by an object and encourages students to analyze evidence that shows how light interacts with objects of different materials.

This resource was developed through WGBH’s Bringing the Universe to America’s Classrooms project, in collaboration with NASA.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 1

SC15.1.2

Construct explanations from observations that objects can be seen only when light is available to illuminate them (e.g., moon being illuminated by the sun, colors and patterns in a kaleidoscope being illuminated when held toward a light).

UP:SC15.1.2

Vocabulary

  • light
  • illuminate
  • construct
  • explanation
  • observation
  • available
  • objects

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Light comes from different sources (natural/man-made).
  • Objects can be seen only when there is a light source.
  • Objects can be seen if they give off their own light.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Gather evidence from observations to support the explanation that objects can only be seen when illuminated.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • Objects can be seen only when a light source causes it to be illuminated.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Lesson/Unit Plan

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM
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