Viewing Light Transmission

Light will pass through most materials. Some matter transmits light without distorting the image.These are called transparent objects.

Light will pass through some materials but the matter scatters the direct lines of the light. This matter is called translucent.

Teachers: use this lesson plan after reading the text and discussing the vocabulary words found in the lesson. Some students might be interested in making a vocabulary notebook for extra credit.

Equipment: shapes, flashlight, white poster board, clear plastic, scouring pad

Objective: to observe the transmission of light through some materials and the reflections of light from others

Procedure:

1. Use objects such as cut outs from the teacher's lounge or common objects that students can bring from home such as stuffed animals.

2. Have students project the shadow of an object using a flashlight upon white poster board and let the students guess what it may be.

3. Project light through the clear plastic and observe the effect.

4. Now scratch the plastic with the scouring pad and notice if there is a difference. You should have created a translucent material.

Picture examples