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Science lesson plan · 1st grade (Year 2 in England) · 45 minutes

Light sources and seeing

Light, sound and waves

CCSS NGSS.1-PS4-2CCSS NGSS.4-PS4-2England: KS2 Y3 Light

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Light sources and seeing.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: no earlier skill in the map; start from what students know.

Leads to: Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials; Reflection of light; Why we need light to see things

Materials: Slinky or rope, Mirrors and torches, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 5 min

  • Quick retrieval: three short questions students should already manage. Answers on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Is a torch (flashlight) that is switched on a light source? (light source / not a light source (reflects light)) → light sourcePrompt: Does it make its own light, or does light bounce off it?
  2. Why can't you see anything in a completely dark room? (There is no light to reflect into your eyes / Objects disappear in the dark / Darkness blocks your eyes / Your eyes are closed) → There is no light to reflect into your eyesPrompt: Seeing needs light.
  3. Light: which statement is NOT true? (A mirror is a light source. / The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight. / Light travels in straight lines. / The Sun is a light source.) → A mirror is a light source.Prompt: Does the Moon make its own light?

Hook · 5 min

  • Ask the class to make a wave with a rope or slinky and describe what moves and what doesn't.
  • Share the objective: Light sources and seeing. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 10 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Is a cat's eyes at night a light source?
  • Step 1: These do not make light; we see them because light bounces off them.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: not a light source (reflects light)
  • Answer: not a light source (reflects light)
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 10 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Is a reflective bike strip a light source? (light source / not a light source (reflects light)) → not a light source (reflects light)Prompt: Does it make its own light, or does light bounce off it?
  2. Why can't you see anything in a completely dark room? (Objects disappear in the dark / Your eyes are closed / There is no light to reflect into your eyes / Darkness blocks your eyes) → There is no light to reflect into your eyesPrompt: Seeing needs light.

You do: independent practice · 10 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 5 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Is a torch (flashlight) that is switched on a light source? (light source / not a light source (reflects light)) → light sourcePrompt: Does it make its own light, or does light bounce off it?
  2. Light: which statement is NOT true? (The Sun is a light source. / The Moon is a light source. / Light travels in straight lines. / The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight.) → The Moon is a light source.Prompt: Does the Moon make its own light?

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Use concrete materials: slinky or rope.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Move on to: Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials; Reflection of light; Why we need light to see things.
  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-1.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Light sources and seeing

Name

Date

Score/ 8

  1. Question 1

    How do we see a book on a table?

    • A. Our eyes send out light to the book
    • B. Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyes
    • C. The book makes its own light
    • D. We do not need light to see

  2. Question 2

    Light: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. A mirror is a light source.
    • B. We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes.
    • C. The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight.
    • D. The Sun is a light source.

  3. Question 3

    Is a shiny spoon a light source?

    • A. light source
    • B. not a light source (reflects light)

  4. Question 4

    Why should you never look directly at the Sun?

    • A. It will go out
    • B. Its light is so strong it can damage your eyes
    • C. It makes you sneeze
    • D. It is not bright

  5. Question 5

    Is a cat's eyes at night a light source?

    • A. light source
    • B. not a light source (reflects light)

  6. Question 6

    Is a firefly a light source?

    • A. light source
    • B. not a light source (reflects light)

  7. Question 7

    In which direction does light travel from a source?

    • A. in circles
    • B. in straight lines
    • C. only upwards
    • D. in zigzags

  8. Question 8

    Is a reflective bike strip a light source?

    • A. light source
    • B. not a light source (reflects light)

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Answer key: Light sources and seeing

  1. 1. B. Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyes

  2. 2. A. A mirror is a light source.

  3. 3. B. not a light source (reflects light)

  4. 4. B. Its light is so strong it can damage your eyes

  5. 5. B. not a light source (reflects light)

  6. 6. A. light source

  7. 7. B. in straight lines

  8. 8. B. not a light source (reflects light)