Lesson Objectives
By the end of the week, students will be able to:
- Explain that light travels in straight lines.
- Identify sources of light (natural and man-made).
- Describe how shadows are formed.
- Demonstrate how shadow size, shape, and position change with light source and object distance.
- Use simple terms like opaque, transparent, and translucent.
Materials Required
Day 1: Flashlight, transparent colored cellophane, white screen/cardboard, worksheets
Day 2: Pictures of light sources, chart paper, markers
Day 3: Torch/flashlight, objects (toy, hand, pencil), wall/screen, measuring tape
Day 4: Colored cellophane, flashlight, white paper, transparent/translucent objects (glass, plastic bottle)
Day 5: Shadow puppets (sticks, cardboard), torch, white cloth/screen, art supplies
Daily Lesson Plan
Day 1: What is Light?
10 min - Introduction: Ask: "What happens when you enter a dark room?" Show flashlight beam. Demonstrate light travels in straight lines by blocking the path.
20 min - Hands-on Activity: Light Path Experiment - Shine flashlight through colored cellophane onto wall. Students observe colored light patterns.
15 min - Discussion: What did you see? Why does light make colors? Draw light path in notebook.
10 min - Wrap-up: Homework - Find 3 light sources at home.
5 min - Assessment: Quick quiz: "Does light bend or go straight?"
Day 2: Sources of Light
10 min - Recap & Introduction: Review Day 1. Show pictures: Sun, bulb, firefly, TV.
20 min - Group Activity: Classify Light Sources - Divide into 4 groups. Each group gets pictures/cards. Sort into Natural vs Man-made.
15 min - Class Chart: Create classroom chart: "Sources of Light Around Us"
10 min - Demonstration: Show candle/flashlight. Ask: "Which gives more light?"
5 min - Assessment: Students name 1 natural, 1 man-made source. Homework - Draw your favorite light source.
Day 3: How Shadows are Formed
10 min - Introduction: Ask: "What is a shadow? Where do you see shadows?" Shine torch behind hand on wall.
25 min - Shadow Investigation: Experiment Stations (rotate groups):
- Move object closer/farther from light
- Move light closer/farther from object
- Different shaped objects
15 min - Findings: Class discussion: "What makes shadows bigger/smaller?" Record observations in science notebook.
5 min - Homework: Observe shadows outside during different times of day.
5 min - Assessment: Draw shadow formation (light → object → shadow).
Day 4: Transparent, Translucent, Opaque
10 min - Introduction: Show 3 objects: glass (transparent), tissue paper (translucent), book (opaque). Shine light through each.
20 min - Sorting Game: Light Pass Game - Students have object cards. Teacher shines light → students hold up "Light passes," "Light scatters," or "No light passes."
15 min - Art Activity: Magic Light Painting - Shine flashlight through colored cellophane onto paper. Trace colorful patterns.
10 min - Concept Check: Match objects to categories on worksheet.
5 min - Homework: Find 1 object from each category at home.
Day 5: Shadow Puppets & Assessment
10 min - Recap: Quick review game: "Shadow rules" (closer = bigger, etc.)
30 min - Shadow Puppet Show: Creative Project - Students make simple puppets (animals, people) using cardboard, sticks, markers. Perform shadow play behind white cloth with torch.
10 min - Presentations: 2-3 groups perform for class.
5 min - Reflection: "What was your favorite shadow discovery this week?"
5 min - Assessment: Weekly Quiz (10 marks)
Weekly Assessment
Observation: Daily participation in activities (15 marks)
Notebook Work: Daily diagrams, observations (25 marks)
Group Work: Day 2, 3 classification, experiments (10 marks)
Creative Project: Day 5 shadow puppet quality & performance (15 marks)
Quiz: Day 5 - 10 MCQs + 2 short answers (20 marks)
Homework: Daily light sources, observations (10 marks)
Total: 100 marks
Quiz Questions (Day 5)
- Light travels in ______ lines. (straight/curved)
- Name one natural source of light.
- Which makes bigger shadow: object close to light or far from light?
- Glass is ______ (transparent/translucent/opaque).
- Draw how shadow is formed.
Differentiation
Advanced Learners: Measure exact shadow lengths, create complex puppets.
Struggling Learners: Use larger objects, paired work, visual aids.
Visual Learners: Extra shadow playtime.
Kinesthetic Learners: More hands-on experiments.
Parent Communication
Weekly Newsletter:
"Dear Parents,
This week we explored Light and Shadows! Your child learned how shadows change size and created amazing shadow puppets. Please ask them to show you their favorite experiment!
Home Connection: Play shadow tag games with flashlights at home.
Thank you! 🙂"
This plan ensures 60% hands-on activities, 25% discussion, and 15% assessment for maximum engagement!