Title: Exploring the Magic of Light: Investigating its Journey through Nature

Objective: The objective of this investigation is to help 7-year-old students understand how natural objects, such as leaves, trees, bodies of water, and mountains, can affect the path of light.

Materials: 1. Flashlight 2. Various natural objects (leaves, twigs, small branches, pebbles, water, small rocks) 3. Whiteboard or chart paper 4. Markers 5. Camera (optional)

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes): a. Begin by discussing the concept of light with the students. Explain that light is a form of energy that helps us see things around us. b. Ask the students if they have noticed how light behaves differently when it encounters natural objects like leaves, trees, bodies of water, and mountains. c. Share the investigation’s objective and explain that they will be conducting experiments to observe and understand how light interacts with these natural objects.

2. Predictions (5 minutes): a. Divide the students into small groups and distribute the natural objects among them. b. Ask each group to discuss and predict how they think each object will affect the path of light. c. Have each group share their predictions with the class.

3. Experiment Stations (20 minutes): a. Set up different experiment stations around the classroom or outdoor area. b. Each station should focus on one natural object (e.g., leaves, trees, bodies of water, mountains). c. At each station, provide the necessary materials (flashlight, natural object) and instructions for the experiment. d. Encourage students to take turns being the “light source” and the “observer” to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate.

4. Experiment Instructions: a. Leaves: Hold a leaf in front of the flashlight and observe how the light passes through it. Discuss whether the leaf affects the light’s path. b. Trees: Shine the flashlight towards a tree trunk and observe how the light is blocked or scattered by the branches and leaves. c. Bodies of Water: Pour water into a transparent container and shine the flashlight through it. Observe how the light bends or reflects. d. Mountains: Use small rocks or pebbles to create a miniature mountain. Shine the flashlight towards it and observe how the light is blocked or redirected.

5. Observations and Discussion (15 minutes): a. Gather the students together and ask each group to share their observations from each experiment station. b. Write down their observations on the whiteboard or chart paper. c. Facilitate a discussion about how each natural object affected the path of light. d. Encourage students to ask questions and share their thoughts.

6. Conclusion and Reflection (5 minutes): a. Summarize the investigation by highlighting the main findings and how natural objects can affect the path of light. b. Ask the students to reflect on what they have learned and share any new questions they may have. c. Optional: Take pictures of the experiments and create a class display or booklet to document their investigation.

Extension Activity: Encourage students to explore how different colors of light (using colored cellophane or filters) interact with natural objects. They can repeat the experiments and observe any differences in the path of light based on its color.

Note: Ensure proper supervision and safety measures are in place during the investigation.