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💡 Weeks 14-15: Light Explorations

Unit Overview
Grade Level Grades 1-2
Duration 2 sessions (30 min each)
STREAM Focus S (Science), R (Religion), A (Art)

Weeks 14-15: Light Explorations

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Identify light sources (natural and artificial) 2. Explain how shadows are formed 3. Explore reflection with mirrors 4. Conduct simple light experiments

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect Jesus as "Light of the World" to physical light 2. Understand Advent as waiting for the Light 3. Recognize how we can be light to others

Weeks 14-15: Light Explorations

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Jesus is the Light — Just as physical light helps us see, Jesus helps us see what is good and true. During Advent, we prepare for the Light of Christ to enter the world at Christmas.

Scripture Connection

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

Saint Connection

St. Lucy — Her name means "light." She brought food and light to Christians hiding in dark caves. We celebrate her feast day (Dec 13) during Advent as we wait for the Light of Christ.

📚 Materials Needed

  • Flashlights (1 per group)

  • Small mirrors

  • White paper

  • Colored objects

  • Cardboard for shadow puppets

  • Prisms (optional)

  • Darkened area in classroom

Session 1: Light & Shadows

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Introduction (5 min)

Advent Prayer: "Lord Jesus, You are the Light of the World. As we learn about light today, help us see Your light in our lives. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen."

Light discussion:

  • "Where does light come from?" (Sun, lamps, candles, screens)

  • "What happens when there's no light?" (Darkness, can't see)

  • "Why is light important?"

Light Sources Exploration (8 min)

Natural vs. artificial light:

  • Natural: Sun, stars, fire

  • Artificial: Lamps, flashlights, screens

Faith Connection: "The biggest light source is the sun. God created it on the fourth day! But there's an even greater light — Jesus, the Light of the World."

Shadow Investigation (12 min)

Shadow stations (rotate in groups):

Station 1: Shadow Making

  • Use flashlight and objects

  • Make shadows bigger and smaller (move closer/farther)

  • Draw around shadows

Station 2: Shadow Puppets

  • Use cardboard cutouts

  • Create shadow puppet show

  • Tell a simple story

Station 3: No Shadow Challenge

  • Can you make the shadow disappear?

  • What happens with light from all sides?

Closing Reflection (5 min)

Discussion:

  • "How do shadows form?"

  • "What makes shadows bigger or smaller?"

Faith Connection: "Shadows happen when something blocks light. Sin is like a shadow — it blocks God's light in our lives. But Jesus's light is so powerful, no shadow can overcome it!"

Closing Prayer: "Jesus, Light of the World, shine in our hearts. Push away the shadows. Help us walk in Your light. Amen."

Session 2: Reflection & Being Light

📝 Lesson Procedure (30 minutes)

Opening Prayer & Review (4 min)

Prayer: "Lord, help us reflect Your light to others today. Make us mirrors of Your love. Amen."

Review: "What did we learn about shadows?"

Mirror Exploration (10 min)

Mirror activities:

  • Look in mirror — what do you see?

  • Use mirror to see around corners

  • Use mirror to redirect flashlight beam

Guided discovery:

  • "What happens to light when it hits a mirror?"

  • "Can you bounce light from one place to another?"

Challenge: Use 2 mirrors to send light around a corner.

Being Light Investigation (10 min)

Discussion: "Jesus says WE can be light too!"

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." — Matthew 5:14

Brainstorm: How can we be light to others?

  • Smile at someone lonely

  • Help someone who needs it

  • Share what we have

  • Tell the truth

  • Be kind with our words

"Light Cards": Students draw/write one way they will be light this week.

Closing Celebration (6 min)

Light ceremony: If appropriate, briefly darken room.

Teacher lights candle: "One small light can push back a lot of darkness."

Discuss: "How can your small act of kindness light up someone's day?"

Faith Connection: "Just like mirrors reflect light, we can reflect Jesus's light to everyone around us. This Advent, let's be mirrors that show His love!"

Closing Prayer: "Jesus, Light of the World, help us reflect Your light. Make us bright with kindness, love, and joy. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen."

✅ Assessment

Session 1

  • Identified different light sources

  • Explained how shadows form

  • Experimented with shadow size

Session 2

  • Explored reflection with mirrors

  • Named ways to "be light" to others

  • Created a "Light Card" commitment

📎 Home Connection

"We explored light and shadows! Talk with your child about how Jesus is the Light of the World and how we can be 'light' to others. During Advent, look for candles and lights that remind us Jesus is coming!"

Unit Version: 1.0 | Last Updated: 2025-12-05