How Can We See? Meagan Sturm Carley Osgood

Next Generation Science Standards Performance Expectation  1-PS4-2: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated [Clarification Statement: Examples of observations could include those made in a completely dark room, a pinhole box, and a video of a cave explorer with a flashlight. Illumination could be from an external light source or by an object giving off its own light.

Engage  Show the class the video of the Finding Nemo deep sea fish attack (YouTube link: vskSW8). Have the students observe how Marlin and Dory can only see when the Angler Fish’s light is near them. Ask the students questions like: “Why couldn’t Marlin and Dory see in the dark when they first went down to the bottom of the ocean?” vskSW8

Explore  Divide the class up into groups and have each group observe pinhole boxes with various objects in them. Have the students look in the box without a flashlight and predict why they can or cannot see the object when the box is dark. Then, have the students look in the box with a flashlight and predict why they can see the object when a light source is used. Have the students draw pictures of what they observe.

Explain  Within their groups, have the students explain why they think that they couldn’t see the object in the box without light. Then, as a large group, the teacher will discuss how light reflects off of the object and allows us to see it. When no light reflects off of the object, we cannot see it.

Elaborate  Have the students walk around different rooms of their house and observe the lighting in each room and how well they can see objects in each room. Have the students observe whether they can see objects in the room right away or if it takes time for their eyes to adjust. Also have them describe where the source of light is coming from that is allowing them to see the objects.

Evaluate  Have the students write a paragraph about their observations made at home using the information that they learned in class. Also have them draw a picture to show what they observed.

Sources  Finding Nemo Video: vskSW8 vskSW8  A Scientific Investigation of Light: A scientific investigation of light: deos/science-lesson-on-lighthttps:// deos/science-lesson-on-light