Katherine Brou Science Lesson Plan Objectives •
TCW increase his/her understanding of what happens when light hits different objects.
Higher Level Thinking Questions • • •
Why do you think a shadow forms when light hits an opaque object? What would happen if you shined a light on something with holes (like a basket)? If a window is an example of a sheer object, do sheer objects allow light to pass through them?
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If you didn’t have a flashlight, how could you show what occurs when you shine light on an object?
Lesson Procedures •
Review what is known about light so far and reintroduce the terms opaque, transparent, translucent. (Can use PowerPoint) have a good discussion with details and examples.
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Explain to children what we are going to do with this experiment very explicitly showing them an example and stating what to do when done with exploration. o Use 1 color x or check for predictions, and another color for actual result.
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Allow children to explore materials with flashlight. When a group finishes their exploration, give them the higher order thinking question cards appropriate for their level to discuss.
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Come back together as a class to discuss findings. Have children talk about the different objects, what they were, and why/how they discovered this.
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If there is time, bring in new examples and ask children to predict and then explore together (1 for each category)
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Go over some of the question cards and discuss them… Introduce the scavenger hunt and explain to children that it is not homework but a fun activity for them to do with their family/parents if they choose. (Can be fun to teach them what you know!)
Assessment •
TTW assess a child’s understanding of what happens when light hits different objects (opaque, transparent, translucent) through observation and anecdotal records.
Name:
Date: Investigating Light
Object: Saran Wrap Waxed Paper Foil Plastic Bag Cardboard Baggie Corkboard Yellow Fabric Purple Fabric
Transparent
Translucent
Opaque
Name:
Date: Light Scavenger Hunt
Opaque
Translucent
Transparent
When you shine on something opaque what happens? When you shine on something transparent what happens?
What does an opaque object allow to form behind it when you hold it up to light?
Why do you think a shadow forms when light hits an opaque object?
What are some different sources of light?
What would happen if there were holes in any of the objects you explored?
What are some When you shine on objects other than a something translucent mirror that reflect what happens? light?
When you shine on something opaque what happens?
If you didn’t have a flashlight, how could you show what occurs when you shine light on an object? Does one of the What are some objects you explored different objects you reflect more light can think of that are than another? Explain. opaque?
When you shine on something transparent what happens?
What happens to a shadow when the light is turned off or blocked?
What are different objects you can think of that are transparent?
When you shine on What kind of objects something translucent can block light? what happens?
What are different objects you can think of that are translucent?
What would happen if you shined a light on something with holes (like a basket)?
What happens when light hits a mirror?
If a window is an example of a sheer object, do sheer objects allow light to pass through them?