Light Energy

This year, we have centered our focus to the study of physical sciences.  So far, we have studies electricity, magnetism, and simple machines. Next, we will be studying the different types of energy, beginning with light energy. Here are a few learning objectives, vocabulary terms, notebooking activities, and resources that can be use with the study of light energy:

Learning Objectives:

•  Understand that light is energy.
•   Explain the characteristics of light.
•  Identify sources of light.
•  Classify light sources as artificial or natural.
•  Be able to explain how people see.
•  Explain the speed of light and its formula.
•  Understand the difference between reflection and refraction.
•  Be able to explain how shadows are formed.
•  Identify the types of tools needed to view objects better.
•  Learn about famous scientists and their contributions to the study of light.
•  Learn about careers in light and optics.
•  Be able to explain how lasers work.

Vocabulary:

Visible light	Artificial light	Natural light
Electromagnetic radiation	Spectrum	Radio waves
Gamma rays	Quantum theory	Photons
Bright	Dim	Oscillating
Frequency	Wavelength	Laser
Radiation	Concave	Convex
Microscope	Telescope	Binoculars
Coherent light	Reflection	refraction
Shadow	Silhouette	wave
Lambda	Ultraviolet radiation	Infrared radiation
Color blind	Transparent	Translucent
Opaque	Microwaves	White light
Colors	Illumination	Incandescent
Prism	Primary colors	Lens

Notebooking Activities:

• Draw and label a diagram of the color spectrum.
• Draw and label a diagram of Electromagnetic waves spectrum.
• Classify types of artificial light and natural light in a chart.
• Create vocabulary flapbooks.
• Research careers dealing with light and optics:
• Optician
•  Audio and video recording technician
•  Photographer
• Ophthalmologist

• Research  famous scientists and tell their contribution to the science of light energy and its uses: 
•   Albert Einstein
•  Heinrich Hertz
•  Christian Huggens
• Sir Isaac Newton
• Galileo
• Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen
• Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

Below, you will find a list of resources that can be used.  Because of the various ages of my children, you will find a wide range of grade levels.  Simply utilize the resources that are suitable for your child's grade level.  Although most of the resources are free, some are available for a fee or require a membership.  

Resources:

• Elementary Advantage 2009 or 2010 (The 2011 version does not contain the science modules!)
• Engineering Interact ( Contains modules, module questions, and applications.)
• Light sources and light rays
• Reflection: seeing objects
• Shadows
• Reflection: mirrors

• Radar's Physics for Kids - Light
• NeoK12 - Light and Optics
• BBC - KS2 Bitesize (Scroll down to the links for lights and shadows.)
• The Physics Classroom:
• Light Waves and Color
• Reflection and the Ray Model of Light
• Refraction and the Ray Model of Light 

• Module Worksheets  (Scroll down to the bottom for these.)

• EdHelper.com -   Light UnitHomeschool Helper Online- Light Lapbook by: Trista
• 1+1+1=1 Blog - Rainbow Lapbook
• Squioo - Physics Lapbook Lens 
• Netflix - Science in Action: Color and Light 
• Zane Education ( You can win a free membership to enjoy these close-captioned videos. Visit their facebook page for more details.)
• What is Physics?
• The Nature of Light

• Need - Infobooks
• Light  By: David Burnie     Y535Burnie 
• Can you feel the Force?   By: Richard Hammond   (pgs. 74-91)    Y530Hammond 
• Janice VanCleave's Physics For Every Kid  By: Janice VanCleave   Y530.078VanCleave 
• Sound and Light (Hands-on Science)  By: Jack Challoner  Y534Challoner