Key Stage 1

Science KS 1 Unit 1D Light and dark

This unit develops children's understanding of the need for light in order to see things. Children learn that darkness is the absence of light and that in the absence of sunlight other light sources are seen more easily. Experimental and investigative work focuses on:

• making suggestions of how to investigate an idea.
• making observations and comparisons.
• explaining observations.

Work in this unit also offers opportunities for children to relate their understanding of science to everyday experiences of light and darkness and to health and safety.

This unit takes approximately 6 hours.

OTHER RESOURCES

• torches with bright beams, shiny objects, eg reflective strips from bags, clothing, tinsel
• story about light/dark
• dark area in the classroom or a classroom that can be darkened
• collection of light sources
• collection of torches
• black box(es), shoe box(es) lined with black paper