1st Grade Exploring light and shadows

Scope and sequence

Suggested Time Frame: 1st Grade Science Curriculum Map

• 2nd Nine Weeks- Consult the 1st Grade Science Curriculum Map for specific details.

The 1st Grade Science Curriculum Map outlines the following information:

• 1. Recommended pacing, scope, and sequence for each unit.

  2. Alignment with standards, conceptual understandings, and performance indicators

  3. Links to Unit Concept Storyboard Maps, Content and SEP Support Documents, and Curriculum Guides

  4. Details for Evidence of Understanding, Essential Learning Experiences, and Suggested Learning Engagements

  5. Where appropriate, alignment with specific FOSS, DSM, GEMS, and STC kit Activities and Investigations

Learning goals, skills, and concepts

Learning Goals

• Students will conduct an investigation into light and darkness to demonstrate how light is needed for us to see.

• Students will investigate how light interacts with different objects to describe and compare how light behaves when it shines one different materials, including:

  • Transparent

  • Translucent

  • Opaque

• Students will investigate how changing the position and intensity of light will change the size and shape of shadows.

• Students will develop models based on data from investigations and explorations to illustrate how light interacts with mirrors. Models can include:

  • T-charts

  • Venn Diagrams

  • Illustrations

  • Demonstrations

• Students will investigate the differences between natural and artificial light sources and describe how electrical energy can produce light.

Skills and Concepts

• Obtain and Communicate Information- SEP Support Document

• Develop and Use Models- SEP Support Document

• Analyze and Interpret Data- SEP Support Document

• Conduct Investigations- SEP Support Document

• Light and Visibility- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Light Interactions- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Shadows- Essential Knowledge Support Document

• Mirrors and Reflection- Essential Knowledge Support Document

Science Concept Storyboard

This link will take you to a print-friendly version of the science concept storyboard.

Lessons and activities

Potential Instructional Strategies/Lessons/Examples

• Can We See Things Without Light?

• Can You See Through Me?

• Moving Shadows

• Mirror. Mirror. On the Wall

• Finding the Moon (DSM Kit) Investigation 5

• Sound and Light (FOSS Kit) Investigations 3 and 4

• Pearson SC Interactive Science Textbook:

  • Chapter 1, Inquiry Warm Up pp.4 - What does light do? (1.P.2A.2)

  • Chapter 1, Lesson 1 Quick Lab p.7 - What kind of energy can you see and feel? (1.P.2A.1)

  • Chapter 2, Lesson 2 Quick Lab p.13 - How can texture affect the heat produced by rubbing? (1.S.1A.4)

  • Chapter 3, Lesson 3 Quick Lab p.19 - How does light change the colors you see? (1.P.2A.1)

  • Chapter 4, Lesson 4 Quick Lab p.25 - How can you make sound? (1.S.1A.3)

  • Chapter 4, Lesson 4 Lab Investigation - Which color heats more? (1.S.1A.3, 1.S.1A.4, 1.S.1A.7)

• AIMS Activities: 2005 SC Science AIMS Kindergarten

  • I See the Light

• Beaming Light (1.P.2A.4, 1.P.2A.4)

  • For this activity you will need several flashlights, tin foil, small mirrors, and a few small objects. You may want to ask students to bring a flashlight from home or ask parents to lend their flashlights to the class for a few days. Cover the front of each flashlight with tin foil and poke a small hole in the center. Then divide your class into partners or groups and give each group a full set of materials. Turn off the classroom lights and ask students to shine their lights onto the mirrors. What happens? What happens when they move their mirrors around? Then ask them to place their objects in different locations around the classroom and try to “hit” their object with their light beam. You may also want to challenge them to “hit” other items in the classroom: charts, the clock, speakers, etc. After, allow time for students discuss what they have learned about light and how it travels.

Additional Resources

• BrainPop Jr. - Light

• Pearson Content Leveled Readers

• Picture Books

  • Through the Magic Mirror by Anthony Browne

  • Shadow by Robie H. Harris

  • The Game of Light by Herve Tullet

  • Oscar and the Moth by Geoff Waring

• Field Study

  • Little Lights (South Carolina State Museum)

    • Duration: 30-45 minutes

    • Available Times: Tues. through Fri. at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

    • Cost: Free for South Carolina student

    • Maximum Capacity: 80 participants

    • SC 2014 Academic Standards for Science: 1.S.1, 1.P.2

      • This auditorium style program will have students lighting up with excitement! Throughout this program we will discuss the basic properties of visible light, where light comes from, and ways it can be effected. How does light affect the appearance of shadows? If light travels in straight lines, can you make it go somewhere else? Some students will even be able to help us create a simple circuit and light up their own Little Light!

• National Geographic Video Resource:

  • As with any video resource, teachers should carefully preview and vet any videos before showing them to students.