Three (3) things can happen.
- Light passes through easily (if the object is transparent)
- Light is blurred (if the object is translucent)
- Light is blocked (if the object is opaque)
Materials
- Transparent object(s) {clear plastic cup, glass, water, etc.}
- Translucent object(s) {some tinted plastic cups, waxed paper, sunglasses, etc.}
- Opaque object(s) {some plastic cups, aluminum foil, cardboard, etc.}
- Flashlight
- Plastic plate (optional)
Experiment
- Show the children 3 different objects (1 transparent, 1 translucent, 1 opaque).
- Have the children predict what will happen when they shine a light on each object
- Have the children shine a light on each object, observe what happens, and sketch a picture of what happens and/or record their data in their science notebooks.
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| transparent (air) |
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| transparent (cup) |
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| transparent (cup and water) |
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| translucent (cup) |
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| opaque (cup) FOLLOW UP ACTIVITIES For a follow up arts and crafts activity children can use their (recycled ) materials and make a "Light" mobile to hang. They can look for other lightweight transparent, translucent, and opaque objects to put on their mobile. Download a free Light Energy Word Search Puzzle at my website! Click on Science Worksheets.    Click HERE   |
