Exploring Light

Standards:

(ACSSU080) Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and
refracted
(ACSHE081) Science involves testing predictions by gathering data and using evidence
to develop explanations of events and phenomena
(ACSIS086) With guidance, plan appropriate investigation methods to answer questions
or solve problems
(ACSIS087) Decide which variable should be changed and measured in fair tests and
accurately observe, measure and record data, using digital technologies as appropriate

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Rationale:
Light, either natural or artificial is an important aspect of peoples lives. By completing
this unit students will understand the importance and role light plays in our everyday
lives.

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Resources:
Physical Resources:!
Light source cards!
Shadow height:Investigation planner!
Reflection angles: Investigation planner!
Observe color: Investigation planner!
money!
mirrors

Digital Resources: !

Learning Object: Elsie and the golden cows

to explore fair testing !
Learning Object -Light and Reflection:
Reflecting of surfaces

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Central Questions: How does light influence and help our lives.
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Enduring Understandings:
Lights comes from a source that can be either manufactured or natural.
Shadows heights can be affected by a range of variables.
The investigation question is determined by the variable changed.
Light is reflected off different surfaces at different angles.
Light and reflections can be used to solve problems.
Light can be filtered to change its color.
The color of light affects the appearance of objects.

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Activities
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Orientation:
What is light?
Where and when do you observe light? Uses of light?
What is light source? What is a non light source?

Light source cards,

Sort into light and non light sources

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Sort into natural and artificial light sources.
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In pairs define natural and artificial.

In students own words write down their own definition for light source.
Discussion of what is light?
Light and energy

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Enhancing: Investigations
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a) Investigating shadows height

Inquire to develop understanding that shadow heights can be affected by a range of
variables.

Explore fair test

What is a variable?
What is a prediction
Use Learning Object: Elsie and the golden cows to explore fair testing

Provide Shadow height:Investigation planner

Conduct experiment:

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Review Light and Reflection: Light rays and- Shadow animals
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Going further:
Create own animal puppet show.

b) Exploring reflections
Investigate that light is reflected off different surfaces at different angles

Learning Object -Light and Reflection: Reflecting of surfaces

Use mirrors to create reflection. How do you think your reflection is created?
Define reflection with a partner.
What surfaces reflect light?
Use Learning object - Light and reflection: Reflecting off surfaces.
Investigate that light and reflections can be used to solve problems.
Investigate that light can be filtered to change its color.
The color of light affects the appearance of objects.

Review how to use a protector.

Test to examine the amount of light scatters off a mirror.
Read through the procedures of the experiment.

Complete the Reflection angles: Investigation planner:

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Review slideshow- Reflections around us. Explore reflections around us.
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c) Using reflections
Investigate that light is reflected of different surfaces at different angles

Use mirrors to multiple money

Examine Learning object Light and reflection: Using mirrors.

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Using reflections investigation:
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The school wishes to cut down on the energy bills by using the the sun to light the
classroom. Investigate ways to reflect the sun into the classroom.

d) Exploring color
Find out that light consists of a specific range of colors.

Explore that color of light affects the appearance of objects

Define opaque.
What happens when light hits an object?
Create T chart, of object that absorbs and transmit light.

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Read Did you know?
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Observe color: Investigation planner
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Reflect on your learning, what did you discover today?

Key questions:
What did the results of the experiment tell you about how filters affect the appearance of
an object?

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Why do you think it was important to use opaque objects?
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Synthesizing/Assessment
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Use know developed throughout the unit and construct own periscope.
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