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Session 04: Colors & Light

Overview

Grade: Kindergarten | Duration: 25 minutes | Session: 4 of 17

Students explore how light creates colors and shadows, discovering God's gift of light that helps us see the beautiful world.

Session 04: Colors & Light

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that light helps us see

  • Explore how light makes shadows

  • Discover that white light contains colors

  • Express wonder at God's gift of light

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Flashlights (1 per pair)

  • 🌈 Prisms or CD discs

  • 🎨 Colored cellophane/tissue paper squares

  • ⬛ White paper for shadows

  • 📦 Small toys/objects for shadow making

  • 🖍️ Wonder Journals and crayons

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Lucy — Her name means "light," and she reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World!

Scripture

"God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good." — Genesis 1:3-4

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the gift of light. Light helps us see your beautiful creation. Help us be lights of kindness to others. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Wonder Question — "What would the world be like without light?"
  2. Discussion — We need light to see!
  3. Scripture — Share Genesis 1:3-4
  4. Introduce Stations — "Today we explore God's gift of light!"

Main Activity: Light Exploration Stations (15 minutes)

Rotate through 3 stations, ~5 minutes each

Station 1: Shadow Play

  • Use flashlights to make shadows on white paper

  • Move objects closer/farther — what happens?

  • Make hand shadow puppets

Station 2: Rainbow Discovery

  • Shine flashlight through prism or angle CD

  • Find rainbows on the wall/ceiling

  • "White light has ALL the colors hiding inside!"

Station 3: Color Mixing

  • Look through colored cellophane

  • Stack colors: red + yellow = ?

  • "What color is the world now?"

Wonder Journal (3 minutes)

  1. Draw something you discovered about light
  2. Add rainbow colors!

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Wonder Share — "What surprised you about light?"
  2. Faith Connection — "Jesus said 'I am the light of the world.' How can WE be lights?" (Being kind, helping others)
  3. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for light that helps us see. Help us shine your light by being kind. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Explored at each station

  • Made observations about light/shadows

  • Connected light to seeing

  • Participated in reflection

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pair with buddy at stations

  • Focus on one concept (shadows OR colors)

  • Extended time at preferred station

For Advanced Students

  • Challenge: Make a specific shadow shape

  • Count colors in the rainbow

  • Explain discoveries to a friend

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: On a sunny day, go outside and explore shadows! When are shadows long? When are they short? Find shadows of different shapes. Try making shadow puppets on a wall.

Teacher Notes

  • Prisms available from CSCOE library science kit

  • CDs work well to make rainbows if no prisms available

  • Consider darkening the room for better shadow/rainbow visibility

Previous: Session 03 — Building Basics
Next: Session 05 — Simple Machines