Straight Shooters Slides Lesson 1
STRAIGHT
SHOOTERS
Discovering how light travels through our world.
LIGHT SPEED
What is Light?
Energy You Can See
Light is a form of energy . It allows us to see the world around us!
The Source
Light comes from a source . Some are natural (the Sun) and some are man-made (lightbulbs).
THE ULTIMATE SOURCE
The Golden Rule
Light travels in...
STRAIGHT LINES
Light doesn't curve around corners! It keeps going straight until it hits something.
VOCAB LAB
1
RAY
A single line of light coming from a source.
2
BEAM
A group of many light rays traveling together.
3
ENERGY
The ability to make things happen or cause change.
4
SOURCE
The object or place where light begins.
Your Mission
01
Identify the Source
Find where the light starts in each diagram.
02
Trace the Path
Draw a single straight line to show how the light travels.
03
Exit Ticket
Answer the "Quick Beam" question at the bottom of your sheet.
Straight Shooters Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Light Speed: Lesson 1
Lesson Title
Straight Shooters
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate their understanding that light travels in straight lines from a source until it hits an object through observation, diagramming, and investigation.
Timing
Introduction 10 min
Investigation 25 min
Discussion 15 min
Total 50 min
Key Vocabulary
Light Energy: A form of energy that can be seen and travels in waves.
Source: Where light begins (e.g., the Sun, a flashlight, a candle).
Ray: A straight path that light follows.
Path: The direction and route light takes.
Facilitation Guide
1
The Hook: Laser Maze (10 min)
"Imagine you are in a high-security museum. If you want to steal the Diamond of Light, you have to avoid the laser beams. Why is it so easy to know exactly where the beams are? Because light always travels in a specific way."
Turn off the classroom lights and use a flashlight (or laser pointer if safe) to point at various objects.
Ask: "Does the light curve around the desk to hit the wall?"
Key Point: Light cannot bend around objects; it travels in a linear path .
2
Investigation: The Straight-Line Test (25 min)
Give each student group three index cards with a hole punched in the exact same spot in the center.
Students should stand the cards up on a desk, lined up.
Place a light source at one end.
Challenge: Arrange the cards so light passes through all three holes.
The Twist: Move the middle card slightly to the left. Can you still see the light at the end? Why not?
Discussion Tip: Ask students to predict what would happen if light could curve like a snake.
3
Wrap-Up & Assessment (15 min)
Distribute the Straight Shooters Worksheet . Monitor as students draw light rays. Ensure they are using straight lines (rulers are helpful!).
Common Misconception: Students often think light can "fill" a room instantly and thus doesn't have a specific path. Remind them of shadows—the absence of light where it was blocked because it couldn't travel around the object.
Meeting All Learners
Support
Provide physical "ray" models (like long wooden dowels or string) for students to physically place between a light source and a target to visualize the path.
Extension
Ask students to research "pinhole cameras." How does the straight-line travel of light explain why the image in a pinhole camera appears upside down?
Straight Shooters Worksheet BEAM TRACER
Light Speed // Lesson 1: Straight Shooters
Scientist:
Date:
Vocab Lab
Match each word to its definition by drawing a straight line (just like a light ray!).
RAY
SOURCE
ENERGY
BEAM
The ability to cause change or make things happen.
The object or place where light begins.
A single line of light.
A group of many light rays traveling together.
Path Finder
Light energy travels from its source until it hits an object. Draw a straight line to show the path of light for each source below.
Flashlight
Target
Quick Beam
Exit Ticket
A scientist says that light can curve around a tree to reach a plant in the shade. Is this scientist correct? Explain why or why not using what you know about how light travels.
Straight Shooters Answer Key Answer Key
Lesson 1: Straight Shooters // Beam Tracer Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Vocab Lab Answers
RAY A single line of light.
SOURCE The object or place where light begins.
ENERGY The ability to cause change or make things happen.
BEAM A group of many light rays traveling together.
Path Finder Solutions
Diagram 1: Flashlight to Target
The student should draw one perfectly straight line from the lens of the flashlight directly to the target box. No curves or wavy lines allowed!
Diagram 2: Sun to Flowers
The student should draw two separate straight lines starting from the Sun, one pointing directly to each flower. The lines should radiate outward in a straight path.
Quick Beam
Exit Ticket Sample Answer
"No, the scientist is incorrect. Light always travels in straight lines and cannot curve on its own. If a tree is in the way, it will block the light and create a shadow instead of letting the light curve around it."
Grading Note: Look for the key concept that light only travels in straight lines.
Bounce Back Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Light Speed: Lesson 2
Lesson Title
Bounce Back
Learning Objective
Students will explain how light reflects off different surfaces and identify that smooth, shiny surfaces create clear reflections while rough surfaces scatter light.
Timing
Introduction 10 min
Mirror Lab 25 min
Synthesis 15 min
Total 50 min
Key Vocabulary
Reflection: When light bounces off a surface and changes direction.
Surface: The outer layer of an object that light hits.
Smooth: Even and regular; creates a clear, predictable reflection.
Rough: Uneven or bumpy; scatters light in many directions.
Facilitation Guide
1
The Bounce: Tennis Ball Analogy (10 min)
"If I throw a tennis ball at a flat, hard wall, where will it go? What if I throw it at a pile of messy, uneven rocks? Light does the exact same thing."
Demonstrate bouncing a ball off the floor vs. a crumpled piece of paper.
Key Point: Reflection is just light "bouncing" off a surface. The "quality" of the bounce depends on the surface.
2
Investigation: Mirror Mission (25 min)
Group students and provide small mirrors and flashlights. Tape a target (like a small star) on the wall.
Students must use one mirror to bounce light onto the target.
Challenge: Use two mirrors to bounce light around a corner to hit the target.
Observation: Compare the reflection from a mirror to the "reflection" from a piece of cardboard. Why is one clear and one not?
3
Wrap-Up & Assessment (15 min)
Distribute the Bounce Back Worksheet . Help students understand that for a reflection to be "useful" (like a mirror), the surface must be very flat at a microscopic level.
Pro Tip: Use the term "specular reflection" for advanced students when referring to mirror-like reflection, and "diffuse reflection" for light hitting rough surfaces.
Meeting All Learners
Support
Provide a "periscope" template for students who struggle with the two-mirror challenge. Seeing the pre-built structure helps them understand the angles.
Extension
Challenge students to find three everyday items that are not mirrors but can still reflect light (e.g., a spoon, a window, a polished floor).
Bounce Back Slides Lesson 2
BOUNCE
BACK
Exploring the world of reflection and mirrors.
LIGHT SPEED
What is Reflection?
The Definition
Reflection is when light rays bounce off a surface and change direction.
The "Ball" Rule
Think of a tennis ball hitting a wall. Light bounces in a similar way!
Smooth vs. Rough
SMOOTH
Surfaces like mirrors or calm water bounce light in the same direction . This creates a clear image.
Rough
Surfaces like paper or cloth scatter light in many directions . No image is reflected.
Reflection Vocab
REFLECTION
The bouncing back of light from a surface.
MIRROR
A smooth, polished surface that reflects light very well.
ABSORB
When light hits an object and is taken in (turned into heat) instead of bouncing.
SYMMETRY
The way light bounces off at the same angle it hits the surface.
Can you catch the beam?
Time to use mirrors to bounce light to a target. Remember: The angle it goes IN is the same as the angle it comes OUT !
Start Activity
Bounce Back Worksheet Mirror Maze
Light Speed // Lesson 2: Bounce Back
Reflector:
Date:
Image Hunter
Circle the objects that would reflect a clear image because they have a smooth, flat surface.
Steel Spoon
Cotton T-Shirt
Window Glass
Brick Wall
Bounce Predictor
Draw the reflected path of the light ray after it hits the mirror. Remember the angle rule!
Mirror Surface
Quick Reflection
Exit Ticket
Why can you see yourself in a mirror, but not in a piece of white paper? Use the words SMOOTH and SCATTER in your answer.
Bounce Back Answer Key Answer Key
Lesson 2: Bounce Back // Mirror Maze Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Image Hunter Answers
Steel Spoon Circle This
Window Glass Circle This
Cotton T-Shirt Rough Surface
Brick Wall Rough Surface
Bounce Predictor Solutions
Problem 1
The reflected ray should bounce off the mirror at the **same angle** (30 degrees) toward the right side of the box.
Problem 2
Since the light is hitting the mirror straight on, it should reflect **straight back up** the same path it came from.
Quick Reflection
Exit Ticket Sample Answer
"A mirror has a smooth surface, so it reflects light in one direction, creating a clear image. Paper has a rough surface which scatters the light in many different directions, so no image is formed."
Bend It Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Light Speed: Lesson 3
Lesson Title
Bend It
Learning Objective
Students will observe and explain light refraction, identifying how light changes speed and direction (bends) as it passes from one medium to another.
Timing
Introduction 10 min
Refraction Stations 25 min
Wrap-Up 15 min
Total 50 min
Key Vocabulary
Refraction: The bending of light as it passes through different materials.
Medium: The substance light travels through (like air, water, or glass).
Lens: A curved piece of glass or plastic that refracts light.
Speed of Light: How fast light moves; it slows down in denser mediums.
Facilitation Guide
1
The Hook: The Broken Pencil (10 min)
"Look at this pencil in this glass of water. It looks like it's broken! Did I just break it by putting it in the water? Why does it look like it's in two different places?"
Show a pencil in a clear glass of water from the side.
Key Point: Light travels slower in water than in air. When it changes speed, it bends. This "trick" is called refraction.
2
Investigation: Refraction Stations (25 min)
Set up three stations for small groups:
Disappearing Coin: Place a coin under a glass. Pour water in and watch the coin "vanish" from certain angles.Arrow Flip: Draw an arrow on a card. Move a glass of water in front of it and watch the arrow point the opposite way.Magnifying Lens: Use a magnifying glass to look at small text. Explain that the curved lens bends light to make things look bigger.
3
Wrap-Up & Assessment (15 min)
Distribute the Bend It Worksheet . Students should draw the "broken" pencil and label the mediums (air and water).
Common Misconception: Students might think the object itself is bending. Emphasize that only the image of the object is affected because the light is bending.
Meeting All Learners
Support
Use the "marching band" analogy: if a row of marchers hits mud (water) at an angle, the ones who hit the mud first slow down, causing the whole line to pivot or "bend."
Extension
Ask students to predict if light would bend more or less in vegetable oil compared to water. Let them test it if materials are available!
Bend It Slides Lesson 3
BEND
IT
Investigating the science of refraction.
LIGHT SPEED
Is it Broken?
Have you ever noticed a pencil in a glass of water looks like it's snapped in half ?
Don't worry!
The pencil is fine. Your eyes are seeing light do something amazing: bending as it moves from air into water.
What is Refraction?
THE REASON
Light changes speed when it enters a new material (like water or glass).
THE RESULT
Because it changes speed, the light bends .
THE WORD
REFRACTION
Refraction in Real Life
Eyeglasses
Lenses bend light to help people see clearly.
Magnifying Glass
Lenses bend light to make small things look BIG.
MEDIUM
A "medium" is just the scientific word for the material light is traveling through.
Lens Lab
You are going to test how light bends when it passes through water. Watch how the images behind the glass flip or grow !
Bend It Worksheet Speed Limit
Light Speed // Lesson 3: Bend It
Scientist:
Date:
Vocab Check
Refraction
The ____________________ of light as it moves through a new medium.
Medium
The ____________________ that light travels through (like air, water, or glass).
Scientific Fact
Light travels at about 300,000 kilometers per second in space, but it slows down when it hits glass!
The Lens Lab
1. Look at a penny through a magnifying glass. Describe what happens to the light and how the penny looks.
2. Draw a "broken" pencil in the glass below. Show where the light bends as it enters the water.
Quick Bend
Exit Ticket
In your own words, why does light bend when it moves from air into water? (Hint: Think about what happens to its speed!)
Bend It Answer Key Answer Key
Lesson 3: Bend It // Speed Limit Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Vocab Check Answers
REFRACTION: Bending
MEDIUM: Material
Lens Lab Observations
1. Magnifying Glass Observation
The light bends (refracts) as it passes through the thick glass lens. This causes the penny to appear **larger** than it actually is.
2. Broken Pencil Drawing
The pencil should be drawn so it looks **disconnected** or shifted at the water line. The part underwater should be slightly to the side of the part in the air.
Quick Bend
Exit Ticket Sample Answer
"Light bends because it changes speed when it moves from air into water. Since water is denser than air, it slows the light down, which causes it to change direction or bend."
Shadow Play Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Light Speed: Lesson 4
Lesson Title
Shadow Play
Learning Objective
Students will classify materials as transparent, translucent, or opaque and explain how shadows are formed when an opaque object blocks light.
Timing
Introduction 10 min
Material Lab 25 min
Shadow Science 15 min
Total 50 min
Key Vocabulary
Transparent: Allows almost all light to pass through clearly.
Translucent: Allows some light through, but it is scattered/blurry.
Opaque: Allows no light to pass through; creates a shadow.
Facilitation Guide
1
The Mystery Box (10 min)
"I have three windows for my secret lab. One is clear glass, one is frosted glass, and one is made of brick. Which one is best for seeing the birds outside? Which is best for a private shower? Which is best for hiding a safe?"
Hold up a piece of clear plastic, wax paper, and black construction paper.
Key Point: Different materials treat light differently. Shadows only happen when light is blocked .
2
Investigation: The T-T-O Lab (25 min)
Give groups a "mystery bag" of items (saran wrap, tissue paper, foil, cardboard, sunglasses, etc.) and a flashlight.
Sort: Use the flashlight to test each item. Does light go through? How much?Classify: Place items into three piles: Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque.Shadow Hunt: Use the opaque objects. Move the light closer to the object, then further away. What happens to the shadow's size?
3
Shadow Puppetry (15 min)
Wrap up by demonstrating how to make a sharp vs. blurry shadow. Sharp shadows happen when the source is small and direct; blurry ones happen when the source is large or far away.
Observation: Remind students that shadows are always on the opposite side of the object from the light source.
Meeting All Learners
Support
Provide a sorting mat with three labeled sections. Give students pictures of objects to sort if they finish the physical lab early.
Extension
Challenge students to explain how an eclipse works using the terms opaque and shadow . What is the light source? What is the object blocking it?
Shadow Play Slides Lesson 4
SHADOW
PLAY
Classifying materials by how they block or let light pass.
LIGHT SPEED
The Material Three
TRANSPARENT
Let's ALL light pass through easily. You can see through it clearly.
Translucent
Let's SOME light pass through. It looks blurry or fuzzy.
OPAQUE
Lets NO light pass through. It blocks the light and makes a shadow .
What is a Shadow?
A shadow is a dark area where light has been blocked by an opaque object.
The Distance Rule
Closer to the light = Bigger shadowFurther from the light = Smaller shadow
The Material Hunt
Empty Glass
Transparent
Wax Paper
Translucent
Hardcover Book
Opaque
Frosted Window
Translucent
Shadow Lab
Time to test your materials! Use your flashlight to classify items as transparent, translucent, or opaque.
Shadow Play Worksheet Blocker or Passer
Light Speed // Lesson 4: Shadow Play
Detective:
Date:
Classification Station
Write Transparent , Translucent , or Opaque under each object.
Plastic Wrap
Cardboard Box
Shower Curtain
Shadow Detective
1. Draw the shadow for this tree based on the sun's position.
Observation
What happened to the size of the shadow when you moved the flashlight closer to the object?
Quick Cast
Exit Ticket
Which type of material creates the darkest shadow? Explain why using the terms BLOCKS and PASS THROUGH .
Shadow Play Answer Key Answer Key
Lesson 4: Shadow Play // Blocker or Passer Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Classification Answers
Plastic Wrap
TRANSPARENT
Cardboard Box
OPAQUE
Shower Curtain
TRANSLUCENT
Shadow Detective Solutions
1. Tree Shadow
The shadow should be drawn on the ground to the **left** of the tree (directly opposite where the sun is on the right side of the box).
2. Observation
Moving the flashlight closer to the object makes the shadow get **bigger**.
Quick Cast
Exit Ticket Sample Answer
"Opaque materials create the darkest shadow. This is because an opaque object blocks all the light rays and does not let any light pass through it."
Rainbow Rebels Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Light Speed: Lesson 5
Lesson Title
Rainbow Rebels
Learning Objective
Students will demonstrate that white light is composed of a spectrum of colors and explain how prisms refract light at different angles to separate those colors.
Timing
Introduction 10 min
Spectrum Lab 25 min
Review 15 min
Total 50 min
Key Vocabulary
Visible Spectrum: The range of colors that can be seen by the human eye.
Prism: A triangular piece of glass that separates white light into colors.
White Light: Light that contains all the colors of the spectrum.
ROY G. BIV: Acronym for the colors of the rainbow in order.
Facilitation Guide
1
The Secret Mix (10 min)
"What color is sunlight? We usually say it's yellow or white. But what if I told you white light is actually a secret team made of every single color in the rainbow? They are all hidden inside!"
Show a Newton's Disc (a spinning wheel with rainbow colors that looks white when spun).
Key Point: Mixing all colors of light makes white light . We just need to find a way to "un-mix" them.
2
Investigation: Rainbow Makers (25 min)
Give each group a prism and a piece of white cardstock. Use a direct light source (flashlight or sunlight).
Catch the Light: Hold the prism in the light and rotate it slowly until a rainbow appears on the paper.Identify: Name the colors in order. Are they always in the same order? Why?The Physics: Explain that each color of light has a different wavelength and bends at a slightly different angle when it hits the prism. Red bends the least, Violet bends the most.
3
ROY G. BIV Review (15 min)
Distribute the Rainbow Rebels Worksheet . Students should color the spectrum in the correct order and explain why prisms are necessary to see the colors.
Common Misconception: Students often think prisms "add" color to the light. Clarify that the colors were already there; the prism just pulled them apart.
Meeting All Learners
Support
Provide a mnemonic device (ROY G. BIV) with a picture. Let students use a "rainbow maker" (CD or bubbles) if they have trouble angling the prism.
Extension
Ask students to explain why we see a rainbow in the sky after it rains. What is acting like the "prism" in the sky? (Hint: Raindrops!)
Rainbow Rebels Slides Lesson 5
RAINBOW
REBELS
Unlocking the secret colors hidden inside white light.
LIGHT SPEED
The Great Disguise
Believe it or not, the "white" light from the Sun is actually a mixture of all colors !
How do we know?
We can use a prism to split the light apart and see the secret spectrum inside.
Meet ROY G. BIV
R Red
O Orange
Y Yellow
G Green
B Blue
I Indigo
V Violet
This is the **Visible Spectrum**—the colors that our eyes can actually see!
Nature's Prisms
Raindrops
After a storm, tiny raindrops act like millions of mini-prisms. They refract (bend) sunlight and split it into a rainbow!
Rainbow Formation
Spectrum Lab
Let's hunt for the spectrum! Use your materials to find rainbows hidden in your classroom.
Rainbow Rebels Worksheet Hidden Colors
Light Speed // Lesson 5: Rainbow Rebels
Scientist:
Date:
The Roy G. Biv Challenge
Fill in the missing colors of the visible light spectrum in order!
R
Red
O
Y
G
B
I
V
Prism Power
A prism doesn't "make" colors. Instead, it uses refraction to split the white light that is already there. Each color bends at a slightly different angle.
Question:
What is another object in nature (besides a prism) that can split light into a rainbow?
Sketch Your Prism Observation
Quick Split
Exit Ticket
If you see white light coming from a flashlight, are you only seeing one color or many? Explain how you know.
Rainbow Rebels Answer Key Answer Key
Lesson 5: Rainbow Rebels // Hidden Colors Worksheet
Teacher Resource
Roy G. Biv Answers
Red
Orange
Yellow
Green
Blue
Indigo
Violet
Prism Power Solutions
Natural Prism Question
The most common natural object is a **raindrop**. Other acceptable answers might include bubbles or certain types of crystals/glass.
Prism Sketch
The sketch should show a **single beam of white light** entering one side of a triangle and a **rainbow spectrum (7 colors)** exiting the other side.
Quick Split
Exit Ticket Sample Answer
"I am seeing many colors. I know this because white light is actually a mixture of all the colors in the spectrum, which can be seen if the light is passed through a prism or raindrop."
