Objective

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe the characteristics and effects of common forms of energy like light and heat.

Materials and Prep

Materials needed: flashlight, thermometer, various objects (metal spoon, plastic ruler, fabric cloth, etc.), paper and pencil.

Prep: Ensure a safe space for experiments, and have adult supervision if needed.

Activities

1. Explore Light: Use a flashlight to shine light on different objects and observe how they reflect or absorb light.

2. Feel the Heat: Touch different objects (metal spoon, plastic ruler, fabric cloth) and note which ones feel warmer or cooler.

3. Temperature Experiment: Measure the temperature of objects using a thermometer and record your findings.

Talking Points

• Light is a form of energy that helps us see things around us. When light hits an object, it can bounce off, like a ball bouncing off a wall. Say: "Light helps us see things, just like turning on a flashlight in a dark room."
• Heat is another form of energy that can make things feel warm or hot. Different objects can absorb heat differently. Say: "When you touch a metal spoon and a fabric cloth, one might feel warmer than the other."
• Some materials are good at reflecting light, like mirrors, while others absorb light, like black paper. Say: "Mirrors reflect light so we can see our reflection, just like a superhero's shield reflecting light."
• When objects absorb heat, they can get warmer. This is why we feel warm when standing in sunlight. Say: "Have you ever felt warm when standing in the sunlight? That's because the sunlight is giving us heat."