K-6 Science for the Next Generation

Lesson Plans
Light Waves

Learning Objectives

  • Understand that light waves are transverse waves made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields.
  • Explain how a prism separates white light into the colors of the rainbow.
  • Describe how the color of an object is determined by the light it reflects and absorbs.
  • Understand how filters can change the color of light by allowing only certain colors to pass through.

Introduction and Hook

Begin the lesson by exploring the concept of light waves as transverse waves. Discuss how they are made of vibrating electric and magnetic fields, setting the stage for understanding their properties.

Go to the Lesson

Engage students with a visual demonstration of how light waves travel and interact with objects, using everyday examples like sunlight and rainbows.

Direct Instruction

Explain how a prism separates white light into the colors of the rainbow, using diagrams and real-life examples such as rainbows formed by water droplets.

Introduce the concept of color reflection and absorption, using examples like a yellow lemon and a green avocado to illustrate how objects reflect certain colors and absorb others.

Guided Exploration

Watch the video 'All About Light' to understand light as a form of energy and its role in visibility and communication. This video connects light to everyday experiences, enhancing comprehension.

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Explore the differences between transverse and longitudinal waves through the video 'Transverse and Longitudinal Waves'. This helps visualize how energy is transferred through different wave types.

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Hands-On Activity

Conduct an experiment to observe how filters change the color of light by allowing only certain colors to pass through. Use colored cellophane or stained glass as examples.

Use the 'Creating and Observing Waves' assessment to engage students in hands-on activities that involve wave creation and observation, reinforcing their understanding of wave properties.

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Independent Practice

Assign students the task of identifying and categorizing objects around them based on the colors they reflect and absorb. Encourage them to document their findings.

Provide the 'Characteristics of Waves' assessment to help students apply their understanding of wave properties through drawing and matching activities.

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Check for Understanding

Facilitate a class discussion to review key concepts, such as how prisms separate light and how filters work. Encourage students to ask questions and clarify doubts.

Use the 'Comprehension – Light Waves' assessment to evaluate students' grasp of light wave properties and their interaction with the human eye.

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Review and Reflection

Encourage students to reflect on what they learned about light waves and their properties. Ask them to write a short paragraph summarizing their understanding.

Discuss real-world applications of light wave concepts, such as in technology and communication, to reinforce the relevance of the lesson.

Assessment and Extension

Administer the 'Review – Waves and Information' assessment to test students' comprehension of the unit's concepts, including wave reflection and color perception.

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Provide an opportunity for students to explore the topic further by researching how light waves are used in modern technology, such as fiber optics.

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