Georgia S1P1.a

Science1st GradePhysical Science

The Standard

Use observations to construct an explanation of how light is required to make objects visible.

Georgia Standards of Excellence for Science · Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to investigate light and sound.

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students observe the same object with and without a light source. They use what they see to explain that light makes the object visible.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students can predict whether an object will be visible in a dark or lit space. They can support their answer with an observation from a simple test.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think eyes produce light or that darkness covers an object. They may also think objects disappear when the lights are off.
How to Assess It: Give students two pictures of a toy, one in darkness and one under a lamp. Ask them to circle where it is visible and explain why.

Lesson moves

Place a toy in a shoebox with viewing and light holes, then compare what students see when the light hole is covered.
Ask, "Why can you see your backpack with the lights on but not in complete darkness?" Students draw and label their explanation.
Play Visible or Hidden: show lighting picture cards, and students sort them, then explain whether enough light reaches each object.
Have students use a flashlight to find a pencil under a covered table and explain why the pencil becomes visible.

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