Third graders have been busy exploring light. Students did some free exploration
with flashlights and mirrors. During the
light unit students will investigate where light comes from, how light travels,
why light changes direction, and what happens when light hits different
materials. Students are using the “I Wonder”
circle to frame their questioning and discovering. I am especially impressed with their careful
scientific drawings of what they observed.
We have explored how light travels and how we can measure its intensity. We also talked about a number of different technologies that use light. Third graders were given the challenge of designing an experiment that proves that light travels in a straight line. Their experiments were varied and extremely creative. They also worked to understand that light can reflect, be absorbed, or transmitted. There was some excitement around the design of an invisibility cloak! Ask your child how that design is connected to what we have learned about light.
Third graders also learned about optical engineering in anticipation of
our engineering connection to this unit.
They are excited to have the opportunity to practice being engineers! Third
graders learned about optical engineers
and how they use light to develop new technology. Students are excited about
the challenge of how to light a “tomb.”
Click here for a fun online activity that allows students to practice some of the concepts we are studying in the classroom. I hope you
have time to explore the site with your child.
