Small Groups
This lesson contains three student activities: Light, Angle of Reflection, and Refraction.
Light
Angle of Reflection
Hit the Target
Refraction
Additional Resources
Book
Videos
Assorted Media
The Law of Reflection states that when light hits a surface, it is always reflected at the same angle it strikes the surface: the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This is best demonstrated by throwing a ball at a smooth surface. The angle at which it hits will equal the angle at which it bounces back (45° going in equals 45° going out). The angle at which you throw the ball is called the angle of incidence, and the angle at which the ball bounces back is called the angle of reflection.
Light travels in straight lines, but it bends as it passes from one transparent medium to another at an angle. This is called refraction. A good example of this is placing a pencil in a clear glass of water. The part of the pencil above the water appears to be broken off from the part below the water. When the light travels at an angle, one part of the light will reach the water before the other, so it slows a little before the other part slows.
1. Use Science Process and Thinking Skills
4. Communicate Effectively Using Science Language and Reasoning
Invitation to Learn
As students continue labs, show an example on the overhead
projector of two different sample lab sheets. Have students discuss good
things about them, and what could be improved.
Instructional Procedures
Have students continue with science labs (pdf).
Family Connections
While students are learning about light, it is always helpful to review what they have learned to determine if more time needs to be spent on explanation before moving on. The following questions would work well with whiteboards where all students write a short answer to the question. This provides quick, accurate assessment to guide your curriculum.