Primary 4 – Science: Properties of Light
P4 students have learnt that energy is present in light and objects around them which give off light. They also have learnt that as an energy, light has properties such as traveling straight lines. The students did experiment to prove whether or not that light has this property using a set of holed cardboards and a torch as the light source. They observed that light could be seen when cardboards were in a straight line. However, when the holes on the cardboards were not in a straight line, light could not be seen.
During investigation process, the students also identified that when the light reached the surface of an object, it bounced off the surface. They predicted that all objects could reflect light well. To prove their prediction, the students moved around second floor of FIS Primary building and checked objects using a torch. Based on the experiment and observation, they concluded that objects with smooth, shiny and dark colour surface reflected light better than dull or transparent objects.
By conducting the experiments, P4 students have learnt that light travels in a straight line and when light reflects off a surface, it still travels in straight lines but in a new direction. They also learnt to predict the possible results of a scientific activity, explain that results are more reliable when the activity is done more than once and analyse results to answer scientific questions. These are important skills which they need not only in learning Science but also applicable in daily life.
