Skip to content

Session 07: Light in Darkness ⭐

Overview

Grades: 1-2 | Duration: 30 minutes | Session: 7 of 17

Students explore the science of light during Advent, connecting Jesus as the "Light of the World" to scientific understanding of light and darkness.

Session 07: Light in Darkness

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that light travels and can be blocked (shadows)

  • Explore how light helps us see

  • Connect Advent waiting to Jesus as Light

  • Create a light-themed project

Session 07: Light in Darkness

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Flashlights

  • 📦 Prisms or CDs

  • 🎨 Star shapes, yellow/gold paper

  • 📓 Engineering journals

  • 🕯️ LED tea light candles (safe)

  • 📦 Various objects for shadow-making

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

Mary, Star of the Sea — Mary guides us to Jesus, the true Light, just as stars guide sailors home.

Scripture

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness." — John 8:12

Opening Prayer

Dear Jesus, in this Advent season, we wait for you—the Light of the World. Help us shine your light to everyone we meet. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (5 minutes)

  1. Create Atmosphere — Dim lights, use LED candles
  2. Advent Connection — "We're waiting for Christmas! For Jesus to come!"
  3. Jesus = Light — "Jesus called himself the Light of the World"
  4. Science + Faith — "Today we'll learn about light AND think about Jesus!"
  5. Wonder Question — "Why do we need light?"

Main Activity: Light Exploration (19 minutes)

Part 1: Light Investigation (7 minutes)

  • Flashlight experiments:
  • Shine through paper (dim)
  • Shine through glass/plastic (bright)

  • Blocked by solid objects (shadow!)

  • "Light travels in straight lines until something stops it"

  • Make shadow puppets on wall

Part 2: Rainbow Discovery (5 minutes)

  • Use prism or CD to split light

  • Find rainbows on walls

  • "White light has ALL colors hiding inside!"

  • "God made light full of beautiful colors"

Part 3: Advent Star Creation (7 minutes)

  • Create an Advent star

  • Star of Bethlehem guided the Wise Men to Jesus

  • Decorate with gold, glitter, or sequins

  • Add: "Jesus is our Light"

Engineering Journal (4 minutes)

  1. Draw one light experiment
  2. Draw your Advent star
  3. Write: "Jesus is the light because..."

Closing Circle (2 minutes)

  1. Light Connection — "How can WE be lights?" (Being kind, helping others)
  2. Star Display — Show stars, announce where they'll be displayed
  3. Closing Prayer — "Jesus, Light of the World, shine through us. Help us spread your light this Advent season. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Participated in light experiments

  • Understood light and shadow concepts

  • Connected Jesus to light imagery

  • Created Advent star

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-cut star shape to decorate

  • Focus on one light concept

  • Work with light partner

For Advanced Students

  • Explain why some things cast shadows

  • Create complex star design

  • Write about light and faith connection

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Look for lights during Advent! Christmas lights, candles, stars. Talk about how Jesus is the Light of the World. Make shadow puppets together using a flashlight.

Teacher Notes

  • Coordinate with Advent wreath lighting in school

  • Display stars in hallway or church

  • Great connection to religion class Advent lessons

  • Consider using glow sticks as alternative

Previous: Session 06 — Thanksgiving Service
Next: Session 08 — Coding Basics