5.PS.2: Light and sound are forms of energy that behave in predictable ways

Bouncing Light: Mirrors, Water and Colour Grades 3–5 · partly supports this outcome

Steer a beam around a wall with mirrors, find out why a pencil looks broken in water, and split white light into the colours hiding inside it. Three hands-on lessons on reflection, refraction and colour that build on shadows and work in any climate.

• How can a mirror steer a beam of light? 55–65 min

  Teams shine a slit beam at a mirror, measure the angle it arrives and the angle it leaves, and find the rule for bouncing light. Then they use the rule to steer a beam round a cardboard wall, and test with a dark box how we really see things.

• Why does a pencil look broken in water? 50–60 min

  Teams look at a pencil in a cup of water, make a hidden coin appear by pouring in water, and turn a water drop into a magnifying lens. Then they explain that light changes direction when it passes from air into water.

• What colours are hiding in white light? 55–65 min

  Teams spread a flashlight beam into a band of colours with a CD or a plastic prism, then shine coloured light on coloured paper. They explain that white light is a mixture, and that an object looks the colour of the light it reflects.

Printable practice for 5.PS.2

These pages practise a closely related idea; the match to 5.PS.2 is partial.

• Bouncing Light: Mirrors, Water and Colour workbook included with the unit

  3 English-support pages, 3 practice pages, 3 readings, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.

• Your Senses: How Does Your Body Know? workbook included with the unit

  1 English-support page, 1 practice page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.

• Earth and Sky at Home workbook included with the unit

  1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 practice page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.

• Light and Shadows workbook included with the unit

  3 practice pages, 3 readings, 2 English-support pages, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.

• Grade 4 Light and Colour printable pack, written for Ontario; the skill matches

  3 readings, 2 practice pages, 1 activity, 1 assessment, with answer keys. Free sample.

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