Exploring Light and Sound NGSS

Let's Explore Light and Sound Waves  NGSS

The packet is filled with activities that allow students to predict, experiment, reflect, and create.

It allows you the teacher to assess, teach and provide meaningful activities for their class so students will better understand the core ideas of this topic.

Although it is written for NGSS 1st Grade other age level students would benefit from these activities.

Throughout the packet their are posters to place in key areas so that you as well as the students are able to clearly see what "big idea" is being taught with the activity being presented.

One of my favorite books to start the unit with is Light All Around Us.

I also use a big sheet of chart paper and students brainstorm what gives us light.

As we work through the unit we continue to add to this list.

WHERE DOES LIGHT COME FROM?

Vocabulary is so important in teaching any unit.  

There are 12 vocabulary cards for posting.

By the end of the unit students should be able to share the meaning for each word.

Also found are ABC order, a word search, making words and syllable activities .

I like using these in my word work center.

I prepared a cover for students to use to collect their information in.

I use a piece of construction paper folded in half with the cover pasted on one half.

You can also put all the pieces together and form a book.

There is also a parent letter sharing with parents key concepts you will be covering and a page with Informational Text.

Students will sort natural light and artificial light using words or pictures depending on ability.

They will go on a "light" hunt with a partner around the classroom. (not shown)

Then they will work with and IMAGINE IF

Following the discussion they will reflect on what the "big idea" was.

Students will also imagine a camping trip and think about "natural and artificial" lights might be found.

Another lesson focuses on Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent.

These "big ideas" may take three days to work through using the suggested experiments.

I like the books below for teaching the lessons on shadows and on mirrors.

The students experiment and then reflect. 

Always be sure class discussion follows the explorations.

Sound waves follows a similar pattern.

Students will work with volume and pitch.

There are sorts as well as experiments followed by reflections.

The experiments focus on vibrations.

One is a kazoo and the other a cup instrument.

Students will also use a simple ruler to watch vibration and listen for sound.

There is also a book for talking about pitch and volume.

The packet ends with students designing a form of communication using light and sound or both.

It is always exciting to see what they come up with.