Let’s learn about light

Learning about light and the way it works is important in many fields of science. Astronomers know that the cycle of day and night is caused by the earth rotating on its axis with different sides facing toward or away from the sun. Biologists know that certain plants grow better in the sunlight or in the shade. Engineers develop technologies that involve light energy such as LED screens and solar energy panels. Light travels in straight lines. When light reaches an object, it travels through the object if the object is transparent or translucent. The light is reflected if the object is shiny. The light is absorbed if the object is opaque. Transparent materials are things that light travels through and are completely see through—like windows, clear bottles or food containers, cellophone, and clear plastic bags. Translucent materials are things light travels through. They are kind of see through—things like waxed paper, tissue paper and cloudy plastic (like a milk jug). Reflective materials are things that light bounces off, like mirrors and shiny objects. Opaque materials absorb light and are NOT see through, like construction paper, cardboard or aluminum foil. When light hits an opaque object, it blocks the light’s path, then darkness appears on the other side. This darkness is called a shadow. Go outside on a sunny day go outside and look at the shadows created by different objects. Look for some objects around your home that are transparent, translucent, reflective and opaque. Students at Immaculate Conception School in Fort Smith recently learned about light and how it travels through objects, with a Discovery Education Mystery Science lesson called “What if there were no windows?” They also used tissue paper and Glad Press’n Seal® to create works of art. Photo Courtesy of 3M and Discovery Education. For more information and to access no-cost resources for teachers, students, and families, please visit: www.youngscientistlab.com