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Physical Science · Light & Sound

Light Helps Us See

Can you see a toy in the dark? Compare the same object with the light off and on. Then find things that make their own light.

Teacher workspace

Start with the lesson plan.

35 min~6 min prep6 materialsNGSS verified · 1-PS4-2

Plan with confidence

Lesson overview

What students will learn

  • I can compare the same object with light and without light.
  • I can tell which things make light and which things need light to be seen.

Key science ideas

  • In complete darkness, an ordinary object cannot be seen.
  • When light reaches an ordinary object, it can be seen.
  • Some things, like the Sun and a turned-on lamp, make their own light.

Lesson at a glance

  • Grade 1
  • 35 min
  • ~6 min prep
  • 1-PS4-2
  • 6 materials

What’s included

  • Lesson Plan
  • Investigation
  • Teacher Slides
  • Printable Worksheet
  • Teacher Answer Key
  • Interactive Activity
  • Vocabulary