What is light? A unit that introduces kindergarten students to the basic fundamentals of light.

Jennifer King

Synopsis

Kindergarten is the first formal year of schooling and therefore creates the foundation for all concepts to be implemented and built upon throughout their twelve years of schooling. During this school year, these students are introduced to the concept of light by way of the sun. Embedded in the science curriculum is a unit focused on weather. Within this unit the concept of the sun, along with the energy it provides, is taught to the students. The primary focus is how the rays from the sun heat up our planet which includes the temperature, hence the focus on weather. This unit that is created with the concentration of light can be seamlessly imbedded in this science unit.

The primary objectives for this unit are for the students to gain a better understanding of the basic components of light and how white light is a combination of all colors. The lessons contained within this unit provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of how light can be manipulated which allows for each color to be seen individually. Furthermore, the students will also gain knowledge pertaining to the changing and manipulating of colors. They will use everyday items during experiments to obtain a deeper understanding of how to change the color of light. Upon completion of this unit, the students will be able to convey the basic principles of light and how to change it.