Exploring Light and Vision

Grade: 1

Duration: 20 minutes

Class Size: 14 students

Subject: Science

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Common Core State Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1
  Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.8
  With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

• NGSS Standards: 1-PS4-2 (Next Generation Science Standards, correlated for science)
  Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this 20-minute session, students will be able to:

1. Explain the basic role of an eye doctor and how the doctor uses light to examine eyes.
2. Describe how light travels (in a straight line and in waves) and relate this to seeing shadows.
3. Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills through partner and group discussions.
4. Express curiosity towards STEM careers related to vision and technology.

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Materials Needed

• Interactive notebooks or journals for each student
• Pencils and crayons
• Career Connections Video: "Eye Doctor" (preloaded, ensure audio-visual setup)
• Simple flashlight or source of light (for a quick demonstration)
• Chart paper or whiteboard for recording group responses

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Lesson Procedure

1. Engage and Explore (7 minutes)

• Introduction (2 min):
  Begin by asking students: "What do you think an eye doctor does?" Write responses on chart paper. Encourage students to share with a partner first, then with the whole class to practice communication (CCSS.SL.1.1).

• Light and Shadows Discussion (5 min):
  Pose the following questions while showing a simple flashlight:

  • "Do you think light travels in a straight line, in waves, or both? Why?"
  • "Do you think your shadow looks the same no matter what time you go outside?"
  • Highlight key ideas and encourage students to draw or write one idea about light or shadows in their notebooks. This supports formative writing (CCSS.W.1.8).

2. Watch & Learn (6 minutes)

• Show the Career Connections video "Eye Doctor."
• Have students watch actively and think about the 21st-century skills (creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, technology skills) demonstrated by the eye doctor.
• Encourage them to note what skills they see.

3. Discuss and Reflect (5 minutes)

• Revisit the initial question: "What do you think an eye doctor does?" — Have students share if their ideas changed after watching the video. Record these new ideas.
• Ask: "Why do you think it is important for an eye doctor to use light when looking at your eyes?"
• Highlight 21st-century skills observed in the video. Guide students towards connecting problem-solving and technology skills with the career.

4. Career Connection & Closing (2 minutes)

• Ask students: "Is this a career you might be interested in?"
• Encourage them to talk to an adult about interviewing an eye doctor or researching more about the career.
• Assign a simple journal prompt: "Draw or write one new thing you learned about how light helps eye doctors."

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Assessment

• Informal Assessment:
  Teacher observation during partner and group discussions (listening for understanding and communication skills as per CCSS.SL.1.1).
• Written Assessment:
  Review students’ notebook drawings/writing to check comprehension of how light relates to vision and shadows (aligning with CCSS.W.1.8).
• Participation:
  Engagement with video and reflective discussion to assess curiosity towards STEM careers and understanding of 21st-century skills.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For English Language Learners:
  Use simple sentence frames during discussions (e.g., "An eye doctor helps people by ___," "Light travels in ___.")
• For Students Needing Extra Support:
  Pair with attentive partners during discussions; provide visuals or real-life examples of shadows and light.
• For Advanced Learners:
  Challenge to think about other careers where light and technology are important.

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Extensions (Optional)

• Organize a live or virtual interview with an eye doctor for a future session.
• Science center with mirrors, flashlights, and objects to explore how light travels and creates shadows.
• Integrate a simple shadow-tracking daily journal to observe how shadows change during the day.

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Reflection for Teachers

• Monitor engagement with the video to assess interest in STEM careers.
• Evaluate how well students connect 21st-century skills with the eye doctor career to inform future career exploration lessons.
• Reflect on the effectiveness of discussions to support language and science learning goals.

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This lesson blends foundational science concepts about light with early career awareness, communication skills, and reflective writing, fully aligned to Common Core State Standards and developmentally appropriate for first graders.