III. Chapter
 
Overview
Activity 1
Activity 2
Activity 3
Activity 4
Activity 5
Activity 6
Activity 7
Activity 8
Activity 9
Activity 10
Activity 11
Activity 12




 

Activity 4: Light and Light Reflection                                

Optics / Light

Target group: Children of 3 to 6 years in kindergarten

Aim: Experience the reaction of different materials to light

Where? Group area

How long? 30 minutes

What? Sources of light and reflectors

Preparation:

Torches, battery-operated taillight of a bicycle, black and white paper, gold foil, bicycle reflectors, if available a ball covered with little mirrors as used in discos.

Steps:

The children find the above-mentioned materials in the centre of the room. They guess which of the objects at hand shine by themselves. They black out the room and try, by directing the light sources at the items, which materials shine all by themselves, which ones reflect the light and which ones swallow the light. They put them in order: luminous - reflecting - absorbing.

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Scientific Explanation:

Partial absorption (attenuation of radiation when passing through a substance) occurs when part of the radiation energy is converted into other forms of energy (heat).

 

The reflection of the light depends on the surface: The more uneven it is, the more diffused is the reflection.

Possible Variation:

The children use the materials for a light show or a lantern parade. 

 

 

Note!

Children who become afraid in the dark may leave the room.

References:

 

to activity 5: