Light is for Seeing!

In the Light is for Seeing Activity, elementary students come to understand the fundamentals of how light allows us to see. Students build a Classroom Cave and engage in an investigation to refine their understanding of how light illuminates objects and allows us to see them. Students predict, test, change a variable and test again, to learn the process of science along with the content: light allows us to see.

Grade Range:
1 to 5

Duration
1/2 Hour – 1 Hour

Supplies

A very dark closet or items to build one (blankets, large boxes), flashlights, construction paper, aluminum foil and scissors.

NGSS Connections

PS4-B Electromagnetic Radiation:

Make observations to construct an evidence based account that objects in darkness can only be seen when illuminated. (1-PS4-2)

Cross Cutting Concepts:

Simple tests can be designed to gather evidence to support or refute student ideas about causes.

Disciplinary Core Ideas

Objects can be seen if light is available to illuminate them or if they give off their own light.

Science and Engineering Practices

Make observations to construct and evidence based account for natural phenomena