How can we see the objects that we do?  

R. Sanford, ​Grade 1: Lesson 3 of 6 
I expect this lesson to take 1 session. It is designed to allow the students to explore different 
boxes with different levels of illumination. The students will be able to interact with four different 
boxes and determine whether or not they can see the item inside the box. They will record their 
findings on an observation sheet as they move through each station. After discussion of their 
findings, they will be able to apply their new knowledge to the scenario of going hiking through a 
dark cave, determining what they will need and why to be successful.  

 
 
NGSS targets:  
DCI: Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects in
1-PS4-2 darkness can be seen only when illuminated. ​[Clarification Statement: Examples of
observations could include those made in a completely dark room, a pinhole box,
and a video of a cave explorer with a flashlight. Illumination could be from an
external light source or by an object giving off its own light.]
 
CCC: Cause and Effect
● Simple tests can be designed to gather evidence to support or refute student
ideas about causes. (1-PS4-1),(1-PS4-2),(1-PS4-3)
 
SEP: Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions

Student Learning Objectives 

1. After investigating 4 boxes with different amounts of light, groups of four to five students 
will explain with evidence that light is necessary to see items.  
2. Students will communicate that light is needed to illuminate darkness through writing and 
drawing why cars need headlights to drive at night.  

Engage 
Turn off the lights in the classroom. Then, have the students cover their eyes with their hands to 
make things as dark as possible. Have the student hold their hands over their eyes until told 
otherwise. 

Ask the students to imagine that level of darkness all around them.  

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Say, “I am holding a really amazing item up right now (a little toy that will be given to them at the 
end) but don’t peek! Without taking your hands off of your eyes, would you be able to see it? 
Think about it for a minute.” 

Then after allowing them to think, have them take their hands away from their eyes and ask them 
their thoughts to the question.  

Have them keep this exercise in mind as they move through the lesson!  

Explore 
Allow students to work in teams of 4-5 as they move through the 4 different stations set up in the 
classroom. Explain that at each station there will be a box with a colorful item inside of it.  

Station #1 will have a box completely taped close with one little hole poked in on the top. 

Station #2 will have a box taped closed with one hole on the top, and one bigger hole poked in 
the side.  

Station #3 will have a box taped closed with one hole on the top, one bigger hole poked in the 
side, and a flashlight.  

Station #4 will not be taped at all, and able to open completely.  

Students will rotate through each station, spending 5-7 minutes at each. They will fill out their 
observation worksheet for each station as they go (attached). The first half of the time will be 
spent quietly interacting with each box and trying to see and determine what is inside on their 
own and writing what they think on their observation worksheet. Then the second half will be 
spent talking with each other to see the thoughts they have come up with and whether they 
agree or disagree.   

Explain 
Once the rotations are complete, the students will have the opportunity to come back together as 
a class. Each group will talk about one station and what they found. Based on each station, the 
group will answer what allowed them to see their item, or what inhibited them from seeing their 
item and explain why they think this. Once they finish, other groups will be given the opportunity 
to add thoughts or objections. If there is any confusion, the teacher will guide discussion towards 
realizing that it is the illumination from the light that allows them to see the objects.  

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Elaborate 
After the discussion of the stations are complete, the students will be given a blank sheet of 
paper. Students will be asked, “Why do cars need headlights at night?” Give time for them to 
draw the scenario and write one sentence about why they think so. Then come back together as 
a class to discuss what the students answers are.  

Evaluate 
Formative: Student observation sheets are continually being filled out by each student as they 
travel from station to station in their groups. Upon completing all four stations, each group will 
show their completed worksheets and have them stamped by the teacher.  

Summative: Students will write one cause and effect statement based on the investigation of the 
four different boxes, determining the cause that allowed them to see the items or not see them.   

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Name: 

Observations: How can we see the objects that we do? 

Station #1: Look inside the hole in the box 
What color is the item? __________________ 
Can you see the item? ___________________ 
Why or why not? 

Station #2: Look inside the hole in the box and the hole 
on the side 
What color is the item? __________________ 
Can you see the item? ___________________ 
Why or why not? 
 

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Station #3: Use the flashlight  

What color is the item? __________________ 
Can you see the item? ___________________ 
Why or why not? 
 

Station #4: Open the box and look inside 

What color is the item? __________________ 
Can you see the item? ___________________ 
Why or why not? 

 
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