Light and Shadows

Objective

Students will understand basic properties of light, differentiate between natural and human-made light, and explore how objects can block light. This lesson aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 1st grade, which complement Common Core literacy and science standards.

Standards Addressed:

• NGSS 1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.
• 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: Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

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Materials Needed

• Behavior of Light video (age appropriate, max 5 mins)
• Student worksheets (includes questions and drawing sections)
• Crayons or colored pencils
• Flashlight (for demonstration)
• Variety of objects (transparent, translucent, opaque) for blocking light
• Whiteboard and markers

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Lesson Breakdown (20 minutes total)

1. Introduction and Video (5 minutes)

• Greet students and briefly introduce the topic: "Today we will learn about light and why we can see some things and not others."
• Show a carefully selected, engaging video (about 5 mins) illustrating the behavior of light focusing on:
  • How light travels
  • The difference between light and sound timing during storms
  • Examples of natural vs. human-made light

Teaching Tip: Pause the video briefly at key moments to gauge understanding and keep students engaged.

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2. Class Discussion & Worksheet Activity (10 minutes)

• Hand out worksheets with the three questions this lesson targets.
• Read each question aloud and discuss with the entire class before allowing students to answer on their own.

Questions to Discuss:

1. Why do we see light first before hearing sound during a storm?
   • Guide students to recall from video: Light travels faster than sound through air.
2. Draw a circle by each example of natural light and a triangle by each example of human-made light. (Examples presented visually on the worksheet, e.g., sun, fireflies, lamp, flashlight)
3. Circle all of the objects that block light from passing through. (The worksheet shows objects like a window, wall, glass, paper)

Teaching Strategies:

• Use think-pair-share for students to discuss their answers with a neighbor briefly before sharing with the class.
• Assist individual students as needed when they draw and circle on their worksheets.

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3. Demonstration and Wrap-Up Discussion (5 minutes)

• Use a flashlight and several objects: clear plastic (transparent), wax paper (translucent), and cardboard (opaque).
• Shine the flashlight on each and ask students what happens to the light passing through or getting blocked.
• Relate this to their worksheet question about objects that block light.
• Wrap up by reinforcing the key takeaways: Light is fast and lets us see, some things make light, and some objects block light.

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Assessment

• Observe student participation during discussion and demonstration.
• Review worksheets to check for correct answers and drawings:
  • Correct explanation about light and sound timing.
  • Accurate use of circle/triangle symbols for examples of light.
  • Proper circling of objects that block light.

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Extension Ideas (for after class or early finishers)

• Encourage students to look for natural and human-made light sources at home and draw or list them next day.
• Create a “Light and Shadow” art project with cutouts to show blocking light.

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Reflection Tips for Teachers

• Note student misunderstandings about how light moves vs. sound to address later.
• Encourage students’ use of new vocabulary: illuminated, natural light, human-made light, transparent, opaque.
• Celebrate students’ contributions to promote confidence in science discussions.

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This lesson plan combines visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning approaches, supporting Common Core literacy integration with science exploration suitable for first graders. It encourages active questioning and hands-on discovery within a tight, engaging 20-minute timeframe.