This lesson introduces students to light as a form of energy. We will discuss that light is composed of many colors, and the colors we see are the result of the interaction between light and matter. We will show students that light travels in waves, and that it can be mixed and bent. We will talk about shadow, transparent, translucent, and opaque.
(Most appropriate for grade levels 3-5, with extension activities for 5-8.)
We also offer WOW! on Wheels extension activities after the WOW! in the Classroom Light Science lesson has been presented by a Wizard. If scheduling a Wizard isn’t possible, you have the option of presenting the WOW! in the Classroom lesson without the Wizard, then flowing into these extension activities, or just using the extension activities on their own.
Lesson Time: 45-60 minutes
Adult Demonstration 1: Index cards lined up and a flashlight will show that light travels in a straight line.
Student Activity 1: Students will use filter glasses to see which colors pop and which colors are filtered out of a secret message they color.
Student Activity 2: Students will experiment with materials to see light and shadow.
Extensions include a light and dark activity, a light traveling activity, mixing colors and splitting white light, an activity about refraction, using convex and concave lenses, virtual images and mirrors.
Group work: Students will work in groups of 3 or 4. In order to save time, teachers are asked to create the groups before our Wizard arrives.
Science Standards:
3.PS.3: Light is a form of energy
5.PS.2: Light travels and maintains its direction until it interacts with an object or moves from one medium to another and then it can be reflected, refracted or absorbed.