Standard: 3.2.3.

B5: Recognize that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or
travels from one material to another.

Rationale:
The unit entitled, “Light” is designed for 3rd grade. The unit will integrate many different
academic disciplines while teaching students about light with specifics such as light sources,
reflection, refraction, light properties, shadows, energy and light travel.
Students will complete a variety of activities to enhance their learning. First, student explore
the properties of light. Then students will explore different sources of light. Then students will
develop an understanding of energy and how light involves energy. Next, students will explore
how light travels from place to place. Finally, students will explore the concepts of reflection and
refraction of light.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education Standards, standard: 3.2.3.B5:
recognize that light travels in a straight line until it strikes an object or travels from one material
to another, students will be creating and demonstrating concepts of vocabulary, speaking and
listening during discussion, applying inquiry-based learning to discover the dynamics of light
science. Light science is the study of energy through waves on an electromagnetic spectrum.
When the unit is complete, students will be able to identify and describe various light
sources, the three properties of light, the concept of reflection, light travel, and shadows. This
content is key in a student’s ability to understand, explore, and explain the energy of light.
 Solar system
The
TheSun
Sun Rays

Stars
Cant pass through objects Sources
of light

Potential
Light and
Shadow Energy
Light ends types
Dep on

Kinetic

Reflections
Properties Refracions
of Light
Light Travel
Mirrors

Waves Speed
of light