Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will be able to understand the properties of light, the concept of prisms, the color spectrum, and the contributions of Sir Isaac Newton to the study of light.

Materials and Prep

• White paper or cardboard
• Flashlight or any light source
• Prism (can be made from clear plastic or glass)
• Pencil or pen
• Scissors
• Optional: Colored markers or crayons

No prior knowledge is required for this lesson.

Activities

1. Activity 1: Exploring the Properties of Light

   Turn off the lights in the room and close the curtains. Take the flashlight and shine it on different objects in the room. Observe how the light reflects off the objects and how shadows are formed. Discuss with a parent or guardian what you have observed.

2. Activity 2: Investigating Prisms

   Take the prism and hold it in front of the flashlight. Observe how the light passes through the prism and refracts (bends). Notice the different colors that appear on the wall or surface where the light is directed. Experiment with rotating the prism and observe any changes in the colors. Draw or describe your observations in your notebook.

3. Activity 3: Creating a Color Spectrum

   Using the white paper or cardboard, draw a large circle. Cut out the circle and divide it into seven equal sections. Color each section with a different color using markers or crayons. This represents the color spectrum. Hold the prism in front of a light source and direct the light towards the color spectrum. Observe how the white light separates into different colors. Take notes on your observations.

Fifth Grade Talking Points

• "Light is a form of energy that allows us to see things around us."
• "When light hits an object, it can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted."
• "A prism is a transparent object that can refract light, causing it to bend."
• "When light passes through a prism, it separates into different colors. This is called a color spectrum."
• "The color spectrum consists of seven main colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet."
• "Sir Isaac Newton was a scientist who studied light and made important discoveries about its properties. He used prisms to show how white light is made up of different colors."
• "Newton's experiments with light and prisms laid the foundation for our understanding of the color spectrum and the science of optics."