Introduction to Light

Grade

4

Duration

45 minutes

Class Size

25 students

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Curriculum Alignment

Ontario Science & Technology Curriculum (Grade 4, 2023)

Overall Expectation:
Understanding Structures and Mechanisms

• Identify sources of light and explore the properties and importance of light in everyday life.

Specific Expectations:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of light and its effects (e.g., light travels in straight lines, light sources can be natural or artificial).
• Describe various sources of natural light (e.g., the Sun, fireflies) and artificial light (e.g., lamps, flashlights).
• Recognize the importance of light in daily life, including its role in vision and safety.

Scientific Skills and Attitudes:

• Use appropriate science and technology vocabulary correctly.
• Demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to ask questions about natural phenomena.
• Participate actively and respectfully in group discussions.

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Learning Goals

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Define what light is in simple terms.
• Identify different sources of light (natural and artificial).
• Understand why light is important in everyday life.
• Share ideas and engage in discussion using scientific vocabulary.

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Materials Needed

• Whiteboard/Smartboard and markers
• Short age-appropriate video about light (3–4 minutes) - pre-selected by teacher
• Flashlight (or other small light source)
• Pictures or objects representing various light sources (sun, lamp, firefly, candle etc.)
• Student science notebooks and pencils

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Lesson Procedure

1. Engage (5 minutes)

• Begin with a simple question posed to the class: “What is light?”
• Write student responses on the board.
• Hold up the flashlight and ask: “Where does this light come from? Can you think of other things that give off light?”
• Briefly discuss student ideas to activate prior knowledge.

2. Explore (10 minutes)

• Show a short video (3–4 minutes) explaining light, its basic properties, and why it matters.
• After the video, ask: “What did you learn about light? Can you give some examples of light sources you saw?"
• Display the pictures/objects of light sources and review if they’re natural or artificial.
• Use the flashlight to demonstrate that light travels in a straight line (in a darkened corner of the room if possible).

3. Explain (15 minutes)

• Define light simply: “Light is a form of energy that helps us see the world around us.”
• Discuss natural sources of light (e.g., the Sun, fireflies, stars) and artificial sources (lamps, flashlights, candles). Write these on the board in two columns.
• Emphasize the importance of light in everyday life:
  • Helps us see (vision)
  • Keeps us safe at night (streetlights)
  • Helps plants grow (Sunlight)
• Introduce and practise key vocabulary: light, source, natural, artificial, energy, vision.

4. Elaborate (10 minutes)

• In pairs, students discuss examples of light sources from home or outside and why light is important.
• Each pair shares one example with the class.
• Teacher records responses on board or chart paper, reinforcing vocabulary and understanding.

5. Evaluate (5 minutes)

• Quick formative assessment through a think-pair-share prompt:
  “Tell your partner what light is, and why it is important.”
• Volunteers share with the class.
• Collect students’ science notebooks where they have written a sentence or drawn a picture showing a light source and why light matters.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Provide visual supports and modelling of vocabulary for English Language Learners and students requiring additional support.
• Offer opportunities for all students to participate by using pair and small-group discussions.
• Use physical examples (flashlight, objects) to engage multiple learning styles (visual, kinesthetic).

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Teacher Reflection and Next Steps

• Reflect on student engagement during discussion and accuracy when using vocabulary.
• Note any misconceptions about light sources or properties for review in later lessons.
• Prepare for Lesson 2: Exploring how light travels and behaves (e.g., shadows and reflections).

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Extension Ideas

• Invite students to take photos or draw pictures of light sources in their homes and describe their importance.
• Create a classroom "Light Source Tree" where students add leaves with names and drawings of light sources throughout the unit.

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Vocabulary

• Light
• Source
• Natural light
• Artificial light
• Energy
• Vision

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This lesson uses a rich mix of visual, auditory, and tactile learning activities fully aligned with Ontario’s Science curriculum requirements for Grade 4, sparking curiosity and foundational knowledge that will deepen through the unit.