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Light Blockers and Light Passers Investigation ✨ cross-curricular

Teacher: TeacherAI | Grade: 1 | Subject: Science, Technology | Duration: 45 minutes

📝 Description: Students test different materials with flashlights to discover what blocks light versus what lets light through, recording their findings.

Standards

  • 1-PS4-3 (Plan and conduct an investigation to determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light)
  • 1-PS4-4 (Use tools and materials to design and build a device that uses light or sound to solve the problem of communicating over a distance)
  • TECH.1.1.a (With help, set a learning goal and use digital tools to work toward achieving it)
  • TECH.1.1.b (Explore and choose digital tools that support learning activities)

Learning Objectives

Students will be able to:

  • Test at least 5 different materials to determine if they block or allow light to pass through
  • Record observations using pictures and simple words on their investigation sheet
  • Classify materials as "light blockers" or "light passers" based on experimental results
  • Use tablets to photograph their light experiments and document findings

Supplies Needed

  • White paper
  • Construction paper
  • Pencils
  • Rulers
  • Flashlights (1 per pair of students)
  • Tablets for photography

Lesson Structure

Opening (5 minutes)

Dim classroom lights and shine flashlight on the wall. Ask: "What happens when I put my hand in front of the light?" Demonstrate with your hand, then a piece of paper, then a clear plastic cup. Introduce vocabulary: "light blockers" and "light passers."

Main Activity (35 minutes)

Step-by-step instructions:

  1. Set up investigation stations (5 minutes): Partner students and give each pair a flashlight and recording sheet. Place test materials around room: construction paper, white paper, rulers, clear containers, books, fabric scraps, aluminum foil.
  2. Model the testing process (5 minutes): Show students how to shine flashlight on white paper "screen," then place test material between flashlight and screen. Demonstrate recording results with simple drawings and words.
  3. Begin material testing (15 minutes): Students move around room testing materials. Circulate to help with flashlight technique and recording. Encourage predictions before each test: "Will this block the light or let it pass?"
  4. Photograph experiments (5 minutes): Help student pairs use tablets to take photos of their light tests in action. Have them photograph both blocked light and light passing through materials.
  5. Complete recording sheets (5 minutes): Students finish drawings and labels on their investigation sheets, using photos as reference if needed.

Closing (5 minutes)

Gather students in circle. Have pairs share one surprising discovery. Create class chart on whiteboard with two columns: "Light Blockers" and "Light Passers" based on student findings.

Quick Check: Hold up a material and ask "Light blocker or light passer?" Show tablet photo and ask "What is happening to the light in this picture?" Ask "What would happen if we tested a window?"

Formative Assessment

During the lesson, look for:

  • Students correctly positioning materials between flashlight and screen during tests
  • Accurate recording of observations through drawings and simple labels
  • Appropriate use of vocabulary words "light blocker" and "light passer" during discussions

Differentiation Strategies

Support for Struggling Students:

  • Pre-draw recording sheet sections or provide stickers for easy marking
  • Pair with confident partner for flashlight handling and tablet photography
  • Focus on testing just 3-4 obvious materials (cardboard, clear plastic, aluminum foil)

Challenge for Advanced Learners:

  • Test materials at different distances from light source and compare results
  • Predict and test combinations of materials (paper behind plastic, two sheets of paper)
  • Write simple sentences explaining why certain materials block or pass light

ELL/ELD Support:

  • Pre-teach key vocabulary with visual demonstrations before investigation begins
  • Encourage drawing and labeling in home language alongside English words
  • Use tablet photos as conversation starters to practice descriptive language

Printable Materials

Light Investigation Recording Sheet

Name: ___________________ Partner: ___________________

Material I Tested My Drawing Light Blocker or Light Passer?
Construction Paper Circle one: Blocker / Passer
White Paper Circle one: Blocker / Passer
Ruler Circle one: Blocker / Passer
Clear Container Circle one: Blocker / Passer
My Choice: ___________ Circle one: Blocker / Passer

My biggest discovery today:

_________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

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