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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 mirror 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. How do we see a book on a table? (Our eyes send out light to the book / Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyes / We do not need light to see / The book makes its own light) → Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyesPrompt: What happens in a completely dark room?
  3. Light: which statement is NOT true? (The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight. / We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes. / The Sun is a light source. / A mirror 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 candle flame 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. How do we see a book on a table? (Our eyes send out light to the book / Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyes / We do not need light to see / The book makes its own light) → Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyesPrompt: What happens in a completely dark room?

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. Light: which statement is NOT true? (Light travels in straight lines. / The Sun is a light source. / We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes. / Our eyes give out light so that we can see.) → Our eyes give out light so that we can see.Prompt: Does the Moon make its own light?
  2. Is a firefly 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?

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

    Why can't you see anything in a completely dark room?

    • A. Darkness blocks your eyes
    • B. Objects disappear in the dark
    • C. There is no light to reflect into your eyes
    • D. Your eyes are closed

  2. Question 2

    Light: which statement is NOT true?

    • A. Our eyes give out light so that we can see.
    • B. Light travels in straight lines.
    • C. The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight.
    • D. The Sun is a light source.

  3. Question 3

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

  5. Question 5

    Is a firefly a light source?

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

  6. Question 6

    In which direction does light travel from a source?

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

  7. Question 7

    Is a computer screen that is on a light source?

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

  8. Question 8

    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. We do not need light to see
    • D. The book makes its own light

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Answer key: Light sources and seeing

  1. 1. C. There is no light to reflect into your eyes

  2. 2. A. Our eyes give out light so that we can see.

  3. 3. A. light source

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

  5. 5. A. light source

  6. 6. D. in straight lines

  7. 7. A. light source

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