Learning In The Light

We are coming near the end of our study of Light and look forward to investigating Sound in the next few months.   So far we have learned that light is energy that we can see and there are two types of light: natural (sun, northern lights, lightning, etc.) and artificial (light bulbs, TV, street lamps, etc.).   Through various activities we came to understand that light travels in straight lines and behaves in different ways in different materials.  Light can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted depending on whether or not an object is transparent, translucent, or opaque.   Talk to your children about these terms and listen to what they are able to tell you.  I believe you will be surprised with their knowledge!

This afternoon we capitalized on the beautiful sunshine we had and went outside to examine what colours could be seen in bubbles.

As we observed the bubbles, we could see the colours of the rainbow - RED - ORANGE - YELLOW - GREEN - BLUE - INDIGO - VIOLET (although some scientists do not include indigo).   With some explanation, the students were able to understand why we saw rainbows in the bubbles.   When the "white light" from the sun strikes the surface of the bubble, it is refracted and the light is split into the various colours of the rainbow.   This is the same reason why we see rainbows when we shine a light on the back of a CD.

Learning from Shadows

We continue to learn about light...  yesterday we investigated the properties of light.   We conducted an experiment with a flashlight and 4 index cards.   We were so engaged in action, that I forgot to take a photo.   We observed light traveling in a straight line through the index cards.   The cards had holes in their centres and each card was placed in a straight line 10cm apart - we shined the flashlight at the centre hole and observed where the beam went.  The light beam was made more visible when we misted the cards with water... we could actually see the light beam shinning in a straight line!!!

Immediately following the experiment, we headed outside.   I asked the students to dance, run and have fun with their shadows!!!  After several minutes of play, we discussed our shadows.

Where do shadows come from?

Are they always the same size?

If we stood still, would our shadow move?

Why can't we see our shadows at night or on a really cloudy day?

Does everything have a shadow?

We discovered that our bodies block the sun's light.  When we block the light we create a shadow.  Depending on where the sun is positioned in the sky, our shadow will move around us.  

It was a wonderful way to say good bye to a week of engaged learning and hello to a weekend of beautiful weather!

Seeing the light!

Yesterday our class had Micron Mark, a scientist from High Tech High Touch, Science Made Fun visit our class.   Together we explored and participated in experiments about light... which we learned that scientist call Optics!

Through water and dish soap the students
were able to see how light could be
refracted (bent.)   The light caused the colours
 to separate into the rainbow.

Observing!!!

With flashlights and prisms we could see how
when light is bent, the colours produced are
always ordered the same...
R O Y G B I V

The students loved wearing the 3-D glasses.   They allowed
us to see refraction in action.

Did you know that the colour white is
actually made up of all the colour in the
rainbow?

Micron Mark demonstrated that although light
travels in a straight line, it could be reflected and
bounced depending on where you aimed the
light beam.

The students also used mirrors and lens to
bounce light (also know as reflection!).

Making rainbows with glow sticks and
black tape!

Looking for colours...

Mini Fireworks

After a wonderful spring break the students and I were excited to begin some new units.  This spring we will be learning about light and sound!

To kick off this study, we inquisitively watched a sparkler burn (a mini-firework).  We noticed that it provided light, heat, and sound.  This helped the students to understand why we are studying light and sound together.

This week we talked about natural sources of light such as the sun, fire, the northern lights, etc...  We also discussed how the moon does not produce light but instead reflects light from the sun.

I can't wait to continue inquiring.   The students have a lot of great questions about where light and sound come from.