Classroom Teacher Preparation
Physics 13: Introduction to Light
Please use the following to prepare for the next SfS lesson.
Description:
This station-based module introduces students to the properties of light. All students will explore absorption, transmission,
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refraction and reflection, and use spectrometers to examine white light. Younger students (4 -5 grade) should also be
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able to identify transparent, translucent, and opaque objects. Older students (6 -8 grade) will learn about the Law of
Reflection.
Lesson Objectives – SWBAT (“Students Will Be Able To…”):
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4 -8
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Understand that light is a form of energy, travels in a straight line and has a wavelength
Describe the difference between light absorption, transmission, reflection, and refraction and provide examples of
objects displaying these phenomena in their interactions with light
Understand that different sources of light have different spectra
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Describe the difference between opaque, translucent and transparent objects (4 -5 only)
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Understand the Law of Reflection (6 -8 only)
Preparation:
No special preparation is necessary. The lesson will provide a general introduction to the topic.
Vocabulary:
Please introduce these terms before the lesson.
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Opaque – impenetrable to light; not allowing light to pass through
Transparent – a material that light rays can pass through so that objects are clearly visible on the opposite side
Translucent – permitting light to pass through but diffusing it so that objects on the opposite side are not clearly
visible
These terms will be defined in lesson:
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Electromagnetic spectrum – the entire range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation (radio waves,
microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma rays)
Wavelength – the distance between two equivalent parts of a wave
Reflection – light wave changes direction (bounces) at a surface or boundary
Refraction – light wave bends at a boundary where the material (medium) changes (e.g., air to water) because its
speed is different
Absorption – light energy is removed or converted into another form of energy (e.g., thermal) when it strikes an
object it cannot pass through
Transmission – light energy passes through an object without being lost or converted to another form
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Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
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Room Set Up for Activities:
The activity for this lesson will include 4 or 5 stations (depending on class size). Access to an outlet is necessary for the
Spectra station. The Refraction station involves oil and water in flasks and should be performed at a flat table. The other
stations can be performed at desks or on the floor. Instructors may ask for your help in supervising the stations.
Safety:
Students should take care with the glass materials and oil at the Refraction station. Light bulbs at the Spectra station can
get hot. Students should avoid touching the bulbs.
Related Modules:
This lesson may be taught as part of a sequence or group of related modules on Physics, particularly Energy. Other
modules in this sequence include:
Physics 2: Introduction to Electricity – A basic introduction to electricity and circuits for younger audiences without prior
exposure. Students create a simple circuit and test the conductance of various materials.
Physics 10: Sound – This station-based module introduces students to sound. Students focus on how to change the pitch
and volume of different simple instruments at each station.
Physics 16: Energy – This module presents the concept of energy as the ability to do work and familiarizes students with
many forms of energy. A series of stations allow students to observe a variety of conversions from one form of energy to
another.
For other module sequences and groups, look here: www.sciencefromscientists.org/sequences
Standards Covered:
Please click the following link to our website to review the standards covered by this lesson, listed by state:
http://www.sciencefromscientists.org/standards/
Lessons are matched to both national NGSS and local state standards.
Classroom Post and Activities:
A link to the Follow Up Student activity can be found in the Classroom Post on our website at
sciencefromscientists.org/cohorts. Use the name of your school/cohort and password to log in. Students will measure the
speed of light using a chocolate bar and a microwave!
Additional Resources:
WGBH Videos and Activities: The first time you log in to the PBS Learning Media website you will be asked to create an
account and provide an email and password. Once you have logged in, select “keep me logged in” to avoid having to
repeat the process.
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Light and Color Video (3:56): http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.lightcolor/lightand-color/
The Speed of Light Video (3:34):
http://mass.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/lsps07.sci.phys.energy.lightspeed/speed-of-light/
Science from Scientists
617-314-7773 • [email protected] • www.sciencefromscientists.org
Copyright © 2014 Science from Scientists
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