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Lesson 1: In Search of Light

Exploring the Ongoing Role of Light Energy in Human Lives

Overview

In this introduction to the Energy Lights Maine module, students consider the ongoing role of light energy in humans' lives.  Through a folktale about the Sun, students are reminded that sunlight is the primary source of light energy on Earth. Students investigate a variety of early light emitting devices and consider their benefits and drawbacks.

Key Ideas

• Light is a form of energy.
• The Sun is the primary source of Earth's light energy.
• Human knowledge and skill to create light emitting devices has evolved throughout history.

Lesson Goals

Students will:

• develop a basic understanding that the Sun is the primary source of Earth's energy, including light.
• explore light emitting devices of the past and consider their benefits and drawbacks.
• make the connection that natural resources are used as sources of light.

Lesson Resources

Download Lesson Plan (9 pages, 420 KB)

 

The Raven Story
Video clip of the Tlingit myth, "How Raven Gave Light to the World" as told by Shirley Kendall (Eagle Moiety), originally from the Alaskan village of Hoonah. It is illustrated with video of Native dancers and Alaskan scenery,
as well as with images depicting Raven.

Teacher Resource 1.1: Early Light Cards (4-color)




Teacher Resource 1.1: Early Light Cards (black and white)


Student Handout 1.1: Blank Light Card Template

Online Extensions 

View NASA Goddard's Sun for Kids online video (approximately 6 1/2 minutes).
This clip describes early "sun" ideas and segues into the tools NASA uses to make observations and learn more about Earth's most important star.


View Wired Magazine's Gallery: A Brief History of Light

Connection to Maine Agencies

MEEP (Maine Energy Education Program) offers the Great Energy Debate Game for students in Grades 4-12. In this debate, students take on the real world challenge of convincing others that one energy source is the best. A MEEP representative will come to interested schools free of charge to guide this activity.

For schools in Aroostook County, a Maine Public Service (MPS) representative will come to interested schools, free of charge, to guide and support the concepts developed in this lesson.