Light and Visibility - 1st Grade Science

Annie is asking a valid scientific question, and it can best be answered with an investigation. For an investigation to be reasonable, it has to be something Annie could perform and would answer the question. Annie's plan to place objects in front of the beam of light would help her to see how light can be blocked and what type of items would be best for blocking light.

An investigation can be completed for a scientific question where data can be collected from measuring or observing what takes place. "Why do you want to block light in your everyday life?" leads to personal opinion rather than data because it is asking "why you" want to do something. Each person's opinion may be different.

The list of supplies that would be most appropriate is a flashlight, notebook paper, blue construction paper, and black fabric. Each of those items can be placed in front of the flashlight to determine which blocks the most or least light and if it makes the room dark.

This scientific question is comparing a room with two different amounts of light. One room would need windows to be blocked from light getting in, and Maggie would look and record what she can see. Another room would have light flowing in through a window, and again Maggie would log what she sees. Maggie has to have an investigation that would allow her to compare the two different amounts of light in the room.

The object that would be most appropriate for investigating light reflection would be a mirror. Mirrors reflect images and light, whereas paper and clothing absorb light. Using a mirror would allow someone to shine a light on the mirror and record how it reflects and study why.

A dark sweater would be the best object to use in an investigation about blocking light because it is made of a material and is a color that absorbs or blocks light. A glass cup and plastic wrap are clear, so the light will pass through, whereas a dark sweater will prevent the light from passing.

The best object for investigating light passing through a material would be the plastic wrap. All of the other answer choices would either reflect or block light from passing so they would not help with this investigation. Plastic wrap is clear and would allow the light to pass through.

If Matt is wondering what makes shadows beside the flashlight, he needs to explore other light sources. Looking around inside and outside will give Matt other light sources and views of shadows. Keeping recordings of the investigation will provide Matt the data and evidence he needs to make a conclusion.

The best plan for an investigation into how and why people block like would be to research online and then view with his eyes examples of light being blocked. He could record what he sees on the walk, in his own house, and the reasons online that he finds to answer his questions.

When a mirror is placed in front of a light source, it will reflect the light or cause it to be bounced back. If I were to shine a laser light on a mirror in front of me, the light would be reflected and appear on the wall behind me. Other objects may cause light to be blocked or will allow it to pass through, but a mirror will reflect it.

If you put a piece of plastic wrap in front of a flashlight, there would be little change because the light would pass through. Plastic wrap is transparent and allows light to be seen through the other side. Other objects may block or reflect light, but something clear would allow it to pass.

If you tried to shine a flashlight through a sheet of black construction paper, it would block the light. Light would not be able to pass through to the other side, and it would not be reflected. Something dark in color and also a thicker material like construction paper would block light from passing.

If I were to place the chocolate bar in the Sun, it would melt due to the heat. The rays of light from the Sun are not only bright but hot. Chocolate is something that melts, and sitting under warm light would cause that to happen.

A shadow is created by blocking light. Shadows need a light source like a lamp, the Sun, or a flashlight and an object to block the light. A simple way to see a shadow is standing outside during the day and looking down! Your body blocking the sunlight will create a shadow of your figure on the ground. Another easy way to make a shadow is by putting your hands in front of a flashlight in a dark room.

Light travels in waves outwards from its source. Light travels in a straight line. It can be altered when it is absorbed, refracted, or reflected.

The list of objects that allows light to pass them all has one thing in common; they are transparent (clear). Clear items will enable the light to move without being blocked or absorbed. Sunscreen, walls, hats, and umbrellas all block light from passing through.

Based on the data given can conclude that some materials are transparent and let all light pass through. Some materials stop some light from passing through. Some materials are solid and block or reflect all light. A beam of light will have a different effect on an object based on that object's characteristics.

The worst item for blocking all light would be the glasses. Glasses allow all light to pass through unless they are coated or tinted like sunglasses to block light. A much better item to block light would be a show because it is made of a dense, solid material that does not allow light to pass.

The best item for blocking light would be the cardboard. Cardboard is a thick, dark material that would not allow light to pass through or be reflected. Cardboard is used for packaging because it not only hides what is inside and is sturdy, but it keeps light from damaging the items inside.