Carnegie Mellon University
Consumer Preferences in Lighting
What is a watt? This tongue-twisting, mind-bending question and others are answered through this lesson on the different lighting options available. With the support of a PowerPoint, teach your physical science class about units of...
Curated OER
The Components of Light
Young scholars are given a mnemonic device to review the light spectrum as it relates to the different components of refracted light. In this components of light lesson, students read Light Magic and review the properties of light. Young...
Curated OER
The Bending and Bouncing of Light
Learners 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...
Curated OER
Light and Vision
Students explore how light affects vision. In this light activity, students construct a shoe box model to represent an eye. Experiments are performed with various light sources. Students draw conclusions about how the eye works as they...
Teach Engineering
Designing a Spectroscopy Mission
For this mind-bending activity, young engineers explore this question of whether or not light actually bends. Using holographic diffraction gratings, groups design and build a spectrograph. The groups then move on research a problem...
Cornell University
LEDs Rainbow Connection
View LED lights through the eyes of a scientist. Young scholars learn to view light as a wave frequency and connect various frequencies to different colors on the light spectrum. A lab activity asks groups to measure the frequency of...
Curated OER
Light & Crystals
Students observe a demonstration of light refraction. They experiment with disappearing crystals to further study light refraction.
Curated OER
Bending Light
Sixth graders read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, discuss refraction, identify example of it from novel, and perform classroom experiments demonstrating refraction and reflection.
Curated OER
How Does Light Move?
Second graders investigate how light passes through objects, is blocked, bounces off of things, and bends. They discuss how light moves in different ways, and with a partner walk around the room with a flashlight, shining the light on...
Curated OER
Light and Optics
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.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network
Jell-O® Waveguide and Power Loss
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...
Curated OER
Light And Sound To the Rescue
Fourth graders use the design process to construct devices that send distress signals through air and water for purposes of rescue. They construct devices that use light and sound to assist in nautical rescues and use the knowledge...
Curated OER
Lenses and Mirrors
Learners investigate lenses and mirrors showing how they bend and reflect light waves.
Curated OER
Reflect and Refract
Pupils explore light. In this properties of light lesson, students define the terms refract, reflect, and diffract after listening to the teacher's description. Pupils listen to the book Light Magic and observe a spoon in a glass of...
Curated OER
Color
Students study the elements of color in paint and light. In this color science lesson plan, students discuss colors in their world, white light, and rainbows. Students mix three primary paint colors to make various secondary colors....
Curated OER
WET Science Lesson #11: How Light Affects Water
Scientists listen to the story of Wadja Egnankou who works to save African mangrove forests. They experiment with refraction and the introduction of particulate matter to water. They conclude with creative writing about the need for a...
Curated OER
The Bending and Bouncing of Light
Students differentiate reflection and refraction. In this physics lesson, students perform a series of experiment on light behavior. They decipher the secret message provided by teacher.
Curated OER
Diversity: Using Light to Filter Prejudices
Students use physics to discuss diversity. In this social interaction activity, students use their knowledge of colors and filters to relate it to stereotyping and prejudices.
Curated OER
Neon Signs
Middle schoolers study a commercial art form and explore its historic and social meaning. They apply linear color to a shape, bending and forming the lines in much the same way a sign artist would form glass tubing. They design their own...
Curated OER
The Case of Vanishing Farmland
High schoolers consider decisions about how to use resources that are in short supply. Learners role-play different perspectives in a land-use simulation, and examine land use issues around the world. This interesting instructional...
Curated OER
Flame Tests
High schoolers perform flame tests on 12 elements. In this flame tests lesson plan, students experiment with elements to observe their visible light spectra emitted as electrons jump from one energy level to another. High schoolers...
Curated OER
Heat Currents
Students using a slide made out of aluminum foil and pin holes observe visible light.
Curated OER
Light My Fire
Students create their own girandoles using common art products and Model Magic in this cross-curricular lesson suitable for the Art or Social Studies classroom. This lesson includes a short vocabulary list.
Alabama Learning Exchange
How Are Rainbows Created?
Students describe how the sun's rays produce colors. They describe how water causes the sun's rays of light to bend, producing a rainbow.