Werklund School of Education

University of Calgary | Undergraduate Programs in Education

Lesson Overview

Dates March 2025 Subject Science (Light)
Grade Level Grade 2 Length 60 Minutes
Unit Energy Exploration Lesson # 2
Teacher Lucas Johnson

Identify Desired Results

Learner Outcomes

  • Identify natural (Sun, bioluminescence) and artificial light sources.
  • Differentiate between objects that emit light and those that reflect light.
  • Understand that light travels as waves/energy.

Objective (Student-Friendly)

  • I Know: Light comes from many sources like the Sun, lamps, and even some animals.
  • I Understand: Emitters make their own light, while reflectors bounce light from other sources.
  • I Can: Classify objects as natural or artificial light sources.

Assessment Strategies

Formative:

  • Observe group discussions during the "Light Source Sorting" task.
  • Review worksheets for correct classification of emitters vs. reflectors.
  • Check for understanding: "How is the Moon different from the Sun as a light source?"

Differentiated Learning & Resources

Resources

  • Flashlights & Mirrors
  • Glow sticks (Bioluminescence demo)
  • Sorting cards (Sun, Moon, Lamp, Firefly)
  • Reflective vs. Dull objects (Foil, Cloth)

Personalization

  • Challenge: Research different types of artificial lights (LED, Neon).
  • Support: Word bank for energy sources (Sun, Electricity, Chemical).
  • Engagement: Glow stick activation in a darkened area of the room.

Lesson Sequence

1. Hook: The Magic Wand (2 min)

  • Activate a glow stick. Ask: "Where does this light come from? Is it like the Sun or like a lamp?" Introduce the concept of chemical light.

2. Explicit Instruction (10 min)

  • Emitters: Produce and send out their own light (Sun, fireflies).
  • Reflectors: Bounce light that hits them (Mirrors, the Moon).
  • Natural vs. Artificial: Compare sources found in nature vs. those made by humans.

3. Learning/Activity Sequence (30 min)

Task Activity Key Discovery
Sorting Station Classify picture cards into Natural/Artificial categories. Source origin
Testing Station Use flashlights to test which objects bounce light. Reflector vs. Emitter
Glow vs. Lamp Compare a battery lamp to a chemical glow stick. Energy processes

4. Wrap-up and Reflection (15 min)

  • Review the worksheet findings as a class.
  • Journal: "Draw one natural emitter and one human-made reflector."

Glossary

  • Emit: To make and send out its own light.
  • Reflect: To bounce light off a surface.
  • Bioluminescence: Living things making their own light (like fireflies).
  • Artificial: Something made by people, not found in nature.