Rainbows
Phenomenon:
A colorful rainbow may (or may not) appear in the sky after a rainstorm.
Student Task:
Explain what is needed to make a rainbow. Describe the pattern of colors observed in a rainbow.
Model
Students model a rainbow using a prism or a flashlight and colorful transparent tiles.
Investigate
Students investigate how two colors change when mixed.
Obtain Information
Students read to obtain information about rainbows.
Analyze Data
Students analyze weather data to look for patterns.
Explanation:
To make a rainbow, you need rain in front of you and sunlight behind you.
Application (Optional STEAM Project):
Students invent new colors and name them. They write a color-mixing recipe for their new color.
NGSS Standard:
1-PS4-3. Plan and conduct investigations to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light.
Utah Standard:
Grade 1. Sort, classify, and chart objects by observable properties, e.g., size, shape, color, and texture.
Recommended Teaching Sequence:
Day 1:
Day 2:
Formative Assessment:
Use what students have written in their science notebooks as a formative assessment.
Lesson Contributor(s):
April Mitchell, Science Specialist, Salt Lake City School District