Teachers can use this website to teach an entire unit on light, or they can use it to augment a particular topic/series of topics related to light. The British Columbia K-7 Science IRP (Integrated Resource Package) recommends that light be an area of study for Grade 5's. This website can be used for a variety of age groups, but was primarily designed for Grade 5 students and teachers. Associated with this site are a choice of three unit plans. The BC, Science IRP learning outcomes, for each unit, are as follows:

• Students will be able to distinguish between reflection and refraction
• Students will be able to relate differences in colour to differences in wavelength
• Students will be able to describe how the eye used light to see.

Each unit was designed for Grade 5 students and cover the topics listed in the table below.

Below you will find descriptions of 3 units on Light and Optics.  In the first you can view the lesson plans.  For all three, we have made it possible for you to download the Microsoft Word file containing the unit.  The only available versions are for Macintosh Word 5.1 or newer and Word for Windows 6.0 or newer.  If you have difficulty with either of these formats, please contact Joel (contact information on the Credits page) and, time permitting, he will convert it for you.  (Isn't he nice?!?!)

• Please note:
  Formatting on the Macintosh version may be slightly muddled (Margins/tables/etc.)

1. The first unit plan outlined has been designed to be teacher directed. Using this option teachers would use the website as a resource of information, and could print out activities. Students could refer to the website for reinforcement of concepts.

Click here to view detailed lesson plans

2. The second unit plan was designed to use this website as a resource for student led learning. The teacher would introduce the Light Unit, and then a group of 3-5 students will become experts on a particular topic (see list above), and will be responsible for sharing their knowledge with their peers. The main focus of the unit is group work, and making a plan.  The end result would be a in class Science Fair on light.

3. The third unit plan was designed with the focus on research skills.   Student will research a topic of light (see list above) using the website as one of their resources.