The driving question for the module is how do sound and light interact with objects? With light, students work with sources of light and receivers. They find out what happens when materials with different properties are placed in a beam of light, and explore how to create and change shadows and reflections. Students learn that sound comes from vibrating objects. They explore how to change sound volume and pitch, and develop simple models for how sound travels from a source to a receiver. Students explore how to use sound and light devices to communicate information and compare the ways that animals use their senses (ears and eyes) to gather information about their environment.

Anchoring phenomenon

Ben Underwood is blind. He lost both of his eyes when he was 3 years old due to illness (cancer.) Even though he can’t see, Ben can ride a bike, brush his teeth, ride rollerblades and play basketball and do all sorts of other things. He doesn’t consider himself as being disabled.

Download the videos from the "Phenomenon Videos" folder below. For more information about Ben Underwood, check the website: http://www.benunderwood.com

Essential question(s)

• How do we see things?

• What makes it so we can see things?

• When can’t we see them?

• How can someone “see” by using sound?

The documents below have been created to help consider the FOSS materials in the context of the Next Generation Science Standards. We recommend you review, at the very least, the following documents:

• Unit Guide - A summary of materials, sequencing and content for the module.

• Storyline - An overview of the sequencing and reasons for the various activities

• Assessment - A collection of assessment tools including what to look for as students work on the activities.