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Read About Light

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scientist explains how light works to kids
INTRODUCTION TO LIGHT

We can only see objects when light shines on them or if the object makes its own light. Light can pass through transparent objects, but light cannot pass through opaque objects. Objects that only some light can pass through are called translucent.

To better understand how light works…

INTRODUCTION TO LIGHT. We can only see objects when light shines on them or if the object makes its own light. Light can pass through transparent objects, but light cannot pass through opaque objects. Objects that only some light can pass through are called translucent. To better understand how light works…

LET’S BREAK IT DOWN!

We need light to see things.

run rising and shining light

To see anything in the dark, you need to have light shining on it. Objects that make light are called light sources. The sun is our planet’s main light source.

We need light to see things. To see anything in the dark, you need to have light shining on it. Objects that make light are called light sources. The sun is our planet’s main light source.
run rising and shining light

There are many different light sources in our world.

lamp shade in a house illuminates the room

Light sources can be natural like lightning or made by people like a flashlight. Some sources of light can be inside the house like lamps and a TV screen. Other light sources can be outside the house like car headlights or a campfire.

There are many different light sources in our world. Light sources can be natural like lightning or made by people like a flashlight. Some sources of light can be inside the house like lamps and a TV screen. Other light sources can be outside the house like car headlights or a campfire.
lamp shade in a house illuminates the room

Some objects are transparent.

diagram of transparent material

Light passes through some objects but not others. If you shine a flashlight on a sheet of glass, the light passes through. A sheet of glass is transparent.

Some objects are transparent. Light passes through some objects but not others. If you shine a flashlight on a sheet of glass, the light passes through. A sheet of glass is transparent.
diagram of transparent material

Some objects are translucent.

diagram of translucent material

If you shine a flashlight on a piece of tissue, some light passes through it. You can still see some light. A piece of tissue is translucent.

Some objects are translucent. If you shine a flashlight on a piece of tissue, some light passes through it. You can still see some light. A piece of tissue is translucent.
diagram of translucent material

Some objects are opaque.

diagram of opaque material

If you shine a flashlight on a basketball, the basketball blocks the light. A basketball is opaque. Anything you cannot see through is opaque.

Some objects are opaque. If you shine a flashlight on a basketball, the basketball blocks the light. A basketball is opaque. Anything you cannot see through is opaque.
diagram of opaque material

LIGHT VOCABULARY

Light
Something that makes things visible (able to be seen).
Light Source
An object that can give off light. The sun, a campfire and lightning are all light sources.
Opaque
An object that light cannot pass through; it makes a shadow.
Translucent
An object that light can pass partially through; it makes a light shadow.
Transparent
An object that light can pass through; it does not make a shadow.
Sun
Earth’s main source of light; the star at the center of our solar system.
To give off or release.

QUESTIONS ABOUT LIGHT

What are some light sources inside the home?

Some examples of light sources inside a home are lamps, television screens, and candles.

What are some light sources outside the home?

Some examples of light sources outside the home are campfires, headlights, and lightning.

Give examples of light sources that are natural and others made by people?

Some examples of natural light sources are the sun, stars and lightning. Some examples of light sources made by people are flashlights, televisions, cell phone screens, candles and car headlights.

What does transparent mean? Give examples.

Transparent means that light travels through an object. Some objects that are transparent are window glass, clear drinking glasses, air and water.

What does translucent mean? Give examples.

Translucent means that an object blocks some, but not all, of the light traveling through it. Some objects that are translucent are wax paper, tissues and sunglasses.

What does opaque mean? Give examples.

Opaque means that the object blocks light so that light cannot travel through the object. Some objects that are opaque are basketballs, wood, metal, trees and books.
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