What students investigate

Students first sort light sources from objects that only reflect light, and see that ordinary rough surfaces reflect light without making mirror images. They follow the path of light from a source to an object and into an open eye.

Then they change the model. An opaque barrier can block light before it reaches the object, or block the reflected light from one viewer. A well-placed mirror can send light toward an eye, moving the viewer changes what reaches them, and less light makes an object harder to see. The last card uses evidence to repair a seeing model that leaves out or misdirects light.

Who it is for

Light & Reflection is written for Grade 4 physical science. It follows Wave Properties and pairs with Light & Sound Signals, which uses light to send messages.

Teachers can show a Learn card before a flashlight-and-mirror activity, then assign Review and Mastery afterward.

What students learn

10 learning ideas, one at a time. Each one is a silent animated Learn card, then Review and Mastery questions.

1. A light source makes light; an ordinary lit object reflects light it receives.
2. Ordinary rough objects can reflect light without making clear mirror images.
3. Seeing an ordinary object involves light traveling from a source to the object and then into an eye.
4. Seeing requires incoming light to reach an open eye.
5. An opaque barrier can block source light before it reaches an object.
6. An opaque barrier can block a lit object's reflected light from reaching one viewer.
7. A correctly placed mirror can redirect reflected light toward an eye.
8. Changing the viewer position can change which reflected light reaches the eye.
9. Changing the available light can change how easily an ordinary object is seen.
10. Evidence helps us repair a seeing model that omits, blocks, or misdirects light.

Science words in this pack

Each word is taught on its Learn card, then used again in Review and Mastery.

• light source
• lit object
• reflection
• rough surface
• mirror
• model
• light path
• incoming light
• opaque
• blocked view
• redirect
• viewer position
• light level
• evidence

Inside the pack

How it works in class

• Learn. 10 silent whiteboard animations, one idea per card. No audio, so it works on a classroom screen or a quiet device.
• Review. 30 practice questions with feedback. Ideas a student misses come back.
• Mastery. 30 questions to show what each student knows on their own.
• Certificate. A student who finishes can print a certificate or save it as a PDF. It shows first-try Review and Mastery results and the ideas that needed a retry.

Standards connections

These cards support parts of the following NGSS performance expectations. They do not replace hands-on investigations.

• 4-PS4-2 — core ideas

More in FireFlash 4th Grade Science

• Energy Transfer Explore energy transfer through heat, light, sound, and electricity.
• Motion & Collisions Explore how speed and collisions relate to energy and changes in motion.
• Energy Conversions Investigate devices that change energy from one form to another.
• Wave Properties Explore repeating wave patterns, height, and spacing.
• Light & Sound Signals Explore how patterned light and sound can carry messages.
• Structures & Functions Look at how parts of plants and animals work together.
• Animal Senses Follow how animals sense clues and respond.
• Weathering & Erosion Read evidence of how ice, water, wind and plants change the land.
• Earthquakes & Volcanoes Interpret world maps of earthquakes, volcanoes, mountains and ocean features.

About the FireFlash 4th Grade Science series