Third graders utilize the scientific method to explain light and optics in this five lessons unit. Through experimentation and discussion, 3rd graders canvass the concepts of light traveling, reflection and refraction.

Students define reflection and refraction. In this Physics lesson plan, students compare a variety of items to find properties of reflection or refraction. Students record their findings.

Fifth graders analyze optical images. in this optical lesson, 5th graders look at how light reflects and refracts. They discuss different types of lenses and how they change the picture that is taken. 

Students investigate the refraction properties of gelatin to calculate its index of refraction. They discover that as the light travels through the gelatin, its speed and wavelength also change. Students find th indes of refraction of an...

Students investigate refraction and reflection of light. In this light lesson, students perform 3 activities to observe light interacting with matter by using a flashlight. They explore refraction using a glass of water and reflection...

Learners compare and contrast electromagnetic and physical waves. In this wave lesson, students discover that all waves reflect, refract, and diffract energy. Learners work in small groups to experiment with waves and evaluate the type...

Physics lab groups finagle with laser lights to determine the critical angle of refraction for both water and Lucite. Because there are no detailed steps or an answer key for this enlightening exercise, an inexperienced physics...

Students investigate the question, "how does understanding the properties and characteristics of light help us to enhance our quality of life?". They apply knowledge gained though the unit in order to create an optical device.

Students define and discus the concepts of wave fronts and rays. In groups, they distinguish between specular and diffuse reflections and use Snell's Law to predict the path of light rays. They calculate the speed of light through...

Young scholars experiment with mirrors. In this Mirrors and How They reflect instructional activity, students read how mirrors reflect light. Then young scholars perform over ten experiments and record their conclusions about mirrors and...

Students explore color, light, refraction and reflection.  In this light activity students measure solar position and compare it to time.

Light is such a fascinating subject. This lesson plan does a great job of illuminating the mysteries of light for your young scientists. A series of demonstrations which are explained in the plan should help your charges to understand...

Students examine how light waves travel. In this properties of light lesson, students observe how light travels in water, how light is reflected and refracted, and how light is pure energy.

Third graders are introduced to light in an eight part unit which includes activities, additional resources, and rubrics for each part. Students address topics such as energy, reflection, absorption, and refraction through hands-on...

Ninth graders explain waves in terms of energy transfer and describe their basic types and characteristics. They solve mathematical problems involving wavelength and frequency. Students conduct experiments in reflection and refraction.

Students examine the properties of light and the behavior of light during interference.  In this electromagnetics lesson students explain behaviors of light.

Seventh graders investigate with light rays. In this light lesson, 7th graders determine the angle of reflection using simple materials. They continue the investigation by exploring the theory that light which is not reflected or...

Students compare and contrast the various heavenly bodies found in the sky at night. They identify the moon and stars in the sky as well as how the stars form pictures called constellations. Students also experiment with reflection and...

Jell-O® can help model the transmission of light through fiber optic cables. Young scientists use the jiggly dessert to make a waveguide to transmit a laser beam from one point to another. Their models help them learn the function...

Students explore light.  In this physical science light instructional activity, students display objects on a projection screen and investigate how light absorbs, refracts, transmits and reflects. Students discuss common features of...

Fourth graders conduct experiments involving reflected light, absorption of light, refracted light, and colors absorbed by light. In this light lesson plan, 4th graders write about the results of their experiments as well.

Learners explore the concepts of light waves and sound waves. In this physics lesson plan, students complete activities that require them to investigate how light and sound waves travel.

Students are introduced to the reflective properties of light and use mirrors to make light from a source reflect onto a specific target. They take turns and record the amount of time it took to correctly reflect the light.

Sixth graders read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, discuss refraction, identify example of it from novel, and perform classroom experiments demonstrating refraction and reflection.