Lesson 2: Light
Getting Started
Light is an important form of energy. What do you know about light? Have you ever thought about where light comes from or how it is used? Today you will explore the characteristics of light.
Stuff You Need
- card stock* (Activity 6 - optional)
- clay (kit)
- clear cups (kit)
- clear glass cup
- color wheel card (kit)
- colored pencils
- compass* (Activity 6 - optional)
- dark cloth (kit)
- flashlights (kit)
- markers
- measuring spoons
- mirror (kit)
- note cards (kit)
- pencil
- piece of cardboard (kit)
- piece of white paper (kit)
- piece of wood (kit)
- protractor* (Activity 6 - optional)
- red, blue, and green cellophane (kit)
- red, blue, and yellow food coloring (kit)
- rubber bands (kit)
- ruler
- scissors
- tape
- white paper
* - denotes an optional material that may or may not be needed
Ideas to Think About
- What is the relationship between colors?
- What is the relationship between light and objects?
Things to Know
- When white light is split, it makes a rainbow.
- Light travels in waves.
- The primary colors of light are red, green, and blue.
- Reflection of light occurs when light bounces off a surface.
- Absorption of light occurs when light is taken in and not reflected off a surface.
- Refraction is the bending of light as it travels through a transparent surface.
Skills
- Recognize that light has a source and travels in a direction. (S)
- Observe that light can be reflected off or absorbed by different surfaces. (S)
- Recognize that color of light striking an object affects the way the object is seen. (S)
- Understand how energy is carried from one place to another by waves, such as water waves and sound waves, by electric current, and by moving objects. (S)
Introducing the Lesson
Explain to your child that over the next three days she will explore the energy in the form of light. Light has many unique characteristics, and without it we would not be able to see colors or anything at all.