Light helps us see the world around us. When sunlight or lamp light shines on a toy, the light bounces from the toy to our eyes. In the dark, there is little or no light to help our eyes see objects clearly.
Learning about light and dark helps young scientists understand day, night, shadows, and safe ways to look around.
Key Facts
- Light helps us see objects.
- Sun, lamps, and fire are sources of light.
- Dark means there is little or no light.
- Light source + object + eyes = seeing.
- A shadow forms when an object blocks light.
- More light makes objects easier to see.
Vocabulary
- Light
- Light is something that helps our eyes see objects.
- Dark
- Dark is what we notice when there is little or no light.
- Light source
- A light source is something that gives off its own light.
- Shadow
- A shadow is a dark shape made when an object blocks light.
- Reflect
- Reflect means to bounce light off a surface.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking our eyes make light is wrong because eyes need light from somewhere else to see objects.
- Calling every bright object a light source is wrong because some objects only reflect light and do not make their own light.
- Thinking darkness is a thing that moves into a room is wrong because darkness is the absence of enough light.
- Looking closely at bright lights is unsafe because very strong light can hurt eyes.
Practice Questions
- 1 Mia sorts 8 picture cards. Sun, lamp, candle, and flashlight give light. Rock, shoe, ball, and book do not give light. How many cards show light sources?
- 2 A room has 3 lamps. One lamp is turned off. How many lamps are still giving light?
- 3 A child can see a red toy in a sunny room but not in a very dark closet. Explain why the toy is easier to see in the sunny room.