Light and Communication

Year Levels

Year 4 and Year 5

Lesson Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

30 students

Lesson Title

Light and Communication

Lesson Description

In this lesson, students will investigate how light is used in communication, focusing on examples such as fibre optics and signal lights. They will explore the role of light in sending messages and will design and create a simple light-based communication device to demonstrate their understanding.

Curriculum Links

Technology Learning Area (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

Strand: Technological Knowledge and Technological Practice
Progress Outcome:
- Years 4–5 students will investigate how characteristics and properties of materials and components can be combined for particular purposes.
Achievement Objectives:
- Understand that designers consider a range of factors and technological contexts when developing outcomes.
- Investigate characteristics and sources of materials and components, including their role in technological outcomes.
Technological Practice:
- Develop simple design ideas derived from others' ideas, and select resources with some justification.
- Make progress towards achieving planned outcomes, adapting as needed.
Key Competencies:
- Thinking: Critically engage with understanding how light can transmit information.
- Using language, symbols, and texts: Interpret and use symbols such as Morse code light patterns.
- Managing self: Plan and manage a simple project individually or in pairs.

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Investigate how light can be used for communication.
Understand basic principles of light-based signaling, including fibre optics and Morse code.
Design and create a simple light-based communication device.

Success Criteria

I can explain how light can be used to send messages.
I can identify everyday examples of light used for communication.
I can design a simple device that uses light to send a message.
I can work cooperatively and follow a step-by-step plan.
I can communicate my findings clearly.

Resources

Torch or LED lights (1 per group)
Coloured cellophane or plastic sheets
Cardboard tubes or boxes (for directing light)
Materials for signalling (mirrors, aluminium foil)
Paper and pencils for sketching designs
Printed Morse code charts (dyslexia-friendly fonts and large print)
Whiteboard or projector for instructions and demonstrations

Lesson Activities

1. Introduction and Engagement (10 minutes)

Discuss: What is communication? How do we communicate using light?
Show examples (using flashlights, traffic lights, fibre optic cables photo or short video clip if possible).
Explain that people have used light to send messages over long distances for a long time.
Introduce simple codes (e.g., Morse code flashing).

Differentiation: Use visual aids and simple language. Provide dyslexia-friendly reading sheets with large fonts and clear spacing.

2. Investigate How Light is Used in Communication (15 minutes)

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students).
Provide each group with a torch and materials (cardboard tubes, coloured cellophane, mirrors).
Challenge: Explore how they can send messages by flashing light (e.g., on/off, using Morse code).
Students experiment with directing light, changing colours, and creating signals.

Teacher Support: Circulate to prompt students with questions e.g.

How can you make your light visible from far away?
How can you send a pattern or code with your light?

3. Design a Light-Based Communication Device (20 minutes)

Students sketch their device idea, thinking about:
- How their device will produce and direct light.
- How it could send a message.
Students use available materials to construct their simple device.
Encourage students to test their devices by sending simple messages to peers.

Extension for Advanced Learners: Research fibre optics basics and think about how light travels inside optical fibres; try to create a simple “light pipe” using clear plastic tubing.

Support for Diverse Learners: Provide simplified templates and step-by-step visual instructions. Pair students strategically for collaboration.

4. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)

Each group explains their device and how it sends a message.
Discuss challenges, what worked well, and how light is an effective communication tool.
Teacher reinforces key vocabulary and concepts.
Write a few sentences on how light helps people communicate in everyday life.

Assessment

Formative Assessment: Observation of group work, questioning during activities, and reviewing design sketches.
Success Criteria Check: Students meet criteria by explaining light communication and demonstrating it through their device.
Peer Feedback: Encourage positive feedback on peer devices, focusing on clarity of the light signals.

Differentiation Strategies

Provide dyslexia-friendly reading materials with clearly spaced fonts and visual cues.
Use paired or group work to support social learning.
Simplify language and instructions for those needing further support.
Provide additional prompts or step-by-step visual guides.
Advanced learners explore fibre optics more deeply and/or design more complex signalling patterns.

Links to Key Competencies

Thinking: Designing, problem-solving, and understanding light communication.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Understanding and using Morse code and other symbolic light communications.
Managing self: Organisation of materials and time management in making their device.
Relating to others: Collaboration and communication during the group work.

Reflection for Teacher

After the lesson, reflect on:

Were students engaged and able to grasp basic light communication concepts?
Did the materials and instructions suit all learning preferences and needs?
How can the lesson be adapted to increase inclusivity or provide more challenge?

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh by emphasising practical technological knowledge, design thinking, and key competencies such as critical thinking and communication in authentic contexts. The hands-on project fosters engagement and understanding of the role of technology—light as a medium of communication—in everyday life and future technological developments .

Teaching Instructions