What is Light?

Lesson Details

Subject: Science
Year Group: Year 2
Lesson Duration: 35 minutes
Class Size: 9 students
National Curriculum Link:

• KS1 Science – Light and Dark
  • Pupils should be introduced to the idea that light is needed to see things and that darkness is the absence of light.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand that light is needed to see.
• Recognise that darkness is the absence of light.
• Explore how our sense of touch can compensate for the absence of light.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Starter Activity – Mysterious Boxes (5 minutes)

Objective: To engage students in exploring what happens when we cannot see.

Preparation:

• Place four small bags or boxes around the classroom.
• Inside each bag/box, place an object that students must identify by touch alone.
  • Example Objects: A sponge, a toy car, a scrunched-up piece of paper, and a soft toy.
• Ensure the bags are opaque so no light enters.

Activity:

• Ask students to move in small groups and feel what is inside each bag.
• Allow 30 seconds per box, discussing quietly with their group.
• Encourage them to guess the objects without looking.

Discussion Questions:

• “Was it easy or difficult to tell what was inside?”
• “What sense were you using when you couldn’t see?”
• “What would have made it easier?”

Key Message: We rely on light to help us see things clearly.

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2. Explaining Light and Dark (10 minutes)

Objective: To introduce the concept that light allows us to see.

Teacher Explanation (Use Visual Aids):

1. Turn Off the Classroom Lights Briefly (if possible).
   • Ask: “Can you see everything as clearly now?”
   • Turn them back on: “What helped you see again?”
2. Show a Torch or Lamp and explain:
   • Light comes from sources like the sun, torches, and lamps.
   • When light reaches our eyes, we can see objects.
   • Darkness happens when there is no light.
3. Provide Examples:
   • “Why do we need a torch at night?”
   • “Why do we turn lights on when it’s dark outside?”

Quick Student Reflection:

• “Can you name something at home that gives off light?”

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3. Hands-On Experiment – Does Light Help? (12 minutes)

Objective: To demonstrate how much easier it is to identify objects with light.

Preparation:

• Reuse the four bags with objects from the starter activity.
• This time, provide small torches or open the bags in good lighting.

Activity:

• Students will look inside the bags with light and confirm their guesses from earlier.
• Ask: “Was it easier to see what was inside?”
• Discuss the importance of light in helping us see clearly.

Key Concept: Light lets us see, but in darkness, we rely on other senses.

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4. Plenary – Light Hunt Challenge (5 minutes)

Objective: To reinforce learning by identifying light sources.

Activity:

• Ask students to look around the classroom and identify as many light sources as possible.
• Examples: Windows, ceiling lights, computer screens, torches.
• Write a quick list on the board as they shout out ideas.

Final Thought:

• “Can you imagine a world without light? What would be different?”
• Encourage students to think about light sources at home and discuss with their families.

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Resources Needed

✔ Four opaque bags or boxes
✔ Selection of small easily identifiable objects
✔ Torches (one per group or shared)
✔ Classroom lights control (if accessible)

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Assessment Opportunities

• Listening to students’ observations in the starter and experiment.
• Checking their responses in discussions.
• Observing their participation in the light source hunt.

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Teacher Notes & Adaptations

• If students struggle, prompt them with further leading questions like:
  • “How does it feel different in the dark?”
  • “Would it help if you could see?”
• If time allows, extend by introducing simple shadow experiments, showing how blocking a light source creates shadows.

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Summary of Key Learning Points

✅ Light is necessary for vision.
✅ Darkness is the absence of light.
✅ We rely on other senses when there is no light.
✅ Light sources include the sun, lamps, torches, and candles.

This interactive, hands-on approach ensures students experience the importance of light in a memorable way while having fun!