Light

Curriculum Outcomes

• Knowledge
• Skills
• STSE

Subtopics

	Sources of Light
	Light Travels in All Directions Away from a Light Source in Straight Lines
	Objects that Absorb, Transmit, and/or Reflect Light
	Bending Light
	Dispersion of Light
	Optical Devices

Introduction

Students become familiar with the properities of light by observing how light interacts with various objects in the environment. These observations help them gain an understanding of light sources, and of materials that block or change the path of light and reflect light. From these investigations, students begin to infer that light travels in a straight line, and they begin to construct simple optical devices.

Focus and Context

The main focus in this unit is on inquiry, with an emphasis on observing and making inferences. Students become involved in many aspects of light as it interacts with a variety of objects, opaque, transparent, or translucent ; some objects or materials that reflect, refract, or disperse light. These interactions will lead students to make qualitative inferences about the behavior of light. The unit also has a strong technology focus as well , with students becoming familar and exploring the functions of various optical devices that have been developd over time. Towards the end of the unit, students will be involved in making some these devices using given procedures, or may even design their own devices to suit some purpose. Students will start to become familliar with the diffrences between technological products, and the process for creating products.

The relationship between the science and technology of light could provide a context for this unit. Students will be involved in doing investigations of a pure inquiry type to explore the properities of light , but should also examine the optical devices that have been designed to make use of these properties. these same optical devices have allowed scientists to enhance their senses , and learn more about the universe

Curriculum Links

In grade 1 students are introduced to light through observing the position of the sun throughout the day and year . In this unit a more in-depth look into the properties of light is initiated. This treatment will continue to deepen in grade 8 with a unit on optics.