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Weeks 14-15: Light All Around

Unit Overview
Grade Level Kindergarten
Duration 2 sessions × 25 minutes
Lesson Type Multi-Week Unit
STREAM Focus S (Science), T (Technology), R (Religion), A (Art)

Weeks 14-15: Light All Around

🎯 Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Identify natural and artificial sources of light 2. Understand that light helps us see 3. Create simple light art using flashlights and translucent materials 4. Observe how light passes through some materials but not others

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Connect light to Jesus as the "Light of the World" 2. Understand Advent as a time of waiting for the Light 3. Recognize that we can share Jesus's light with others

🙏 Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Jesus as Light — During Advent, we light candles as we wait for Jesus, the Light of the World. Just as light helps us see in the dark, Jesus helps us see what is good and true.

Scripture Connection

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

Wonder Question

"Have you ever wondered why Advent candles are so important? We light them because Jesus brings light to the world!"

📚 Materials and Preparation

Materials Needed

Item Quantity Source
Flashlights 1 per 2-3 students School/classroom
Tissue paper (various colors) Assorted Classroom
Cardboard tubes 1 per student Recycled
Clear plastic wrap 1 roll Classroom
Various materials for testing Collection Classroom
Dark paper/construction paper Class set Classroom

CSCOE Checkout (Optional)

  • Little Bits light-up circuits

  • Snap Circuits light kit

Teacher Preparation

  • Test flashlights, replace batteries as needed

  • Cut tissue paper into manageable squares

  • Collect materials for light testing (paper, fabric, plastic, etc.)

  • Create sample "light catcher"

  • Set up darkening option for room (close blinds)

📝 Week 14: Exploring Light

⏱️ Timing Guide (25 minutes)

Section Time Activity
Opening Prayer & Wonder 3 min Prayer about light
Light Sources 7 min Where does light come from?
Light Testing 10 min What does light go through?
Closing & Preview 5 min Reflection and preview

1. Opening Prayer & Wonder (3 minutes)

Light an LED candle if available.

Prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for the gift of light. Thank you for the sun that warms us and helps us see. Thank you most of all for sending Jesus to be our Light. Amen."

Wonder Question:

"What would it be like if there was no light in the world? How would we see?"

2. Light Sources: Where Does Light Come From? (7 minutes)

Discussion:

"Light helps us see. But where does light come from?"

Brainstorm sources of light:

  • Sun (the biggest light!)

  • Lamps

  • Candles

  • Flashlights

  • Screens (iPad, TV)

  • Fire

  • Stars

Categorize:

"Some light comes from God's creation — like the sun and stars. Some light comes from things people made — like lamps and flashlights."

God's Creation (Natural) People Made (Artificial)
Sun Lamp
Stars Flashlight
Fire Screen

Advent Connection:

"In Advent, we light candles while we wait for Jesus. Why do you think we use light? Because Jesus is the Light of the World! He helps us see what is good and true."

3. Light Testing Experiment (10 minutes)

Setup:

  • Dim the room if possible

  • Groups of 2-3 with flashlights

Introduce experiment:

"We're going to discover something amazing about light. Light can go THROUGH some things but not others. Let's find out which!"

Materials to test:

  • Paper (construction paper, tissue paper)

  • Plastic (clear, colored)

  • Fabric (thin, thick)

  • Hands

  • Cardboard

Testing procedure: 1. Shine flashlight on material 2. Can you see the light through it? 3. Sort into two groups: - Light goes through ✓ - Light doesn't go through ✗

Recording: Teacher records results on chart paper as students share findings.

Vocabulary Introduction:

"When light goes through something, we call it 'transparent' or 'see-through.' When light can't go through, we call it 'opaque.' Try saying 'opaque!'"

4. Closing & Preview (5 minutes)

Discussion:

  • "What did you discover about light?"

  • "Which materials let light through?"

Faith Connection:

"Just like light shines through some things, Jesus's love can shine through US to other people! When we are kind and helpful, we share Jesus's light."

Preview next week:

"Next week, we're going to make something beautiful with light!"

Closing Prayer:

"Thank you, God, for light. Help us to share Jesus's light with everyone we meet. Amen."

📝 Week 15: Creating Light Art

⏱️ Timing Guide (25 minutes)

Section Time Activity
Opening Prayer & Review 3 min Remember light
Demonstration 4 min Show light catcher
Creating Light Art 14 min Make light catchers
Sharing & Closing 4 min Display and pray

1. Opening Prayer & Review (3 minutes)

Prayer:

"Dear God, thank you for light that helps us see the beautiful world You made. Help us to be lights in the world too. Amen."

Review:

"Last week we learned about light. What materials did light go through?" (Tissue paper, plastic)

2. Demonstration: Light Catcher (4 minutes)

Show a completed light catcher:

"Today we're making Light Catchers! When you hold them up to the light, the colors glow! Watch..."

(Hold up to window or light)

How to make it: 1. Take a cardboard tube (or paper folded into a frame) 2. Choose tissue paper colors 3. Tape tissue paper over the end 4. Hold up to light and see the colors glow!

Variation: Simple sun catcher on paper

  • Cut out a shape from dark paper

  • Cover the hole with tissue paper

  • Hold to light

3. Creating Light Art (14 minutes)

Distribute materials:

  • Cardboard tubes OR paper frames

  • Tissue paper squares

  • Tape

  • Scissors (if needed)

Creating Time:

  • Students select colors

  • Attach tissue paper to tube/frame

  • Layer colors if desired

Teacher circulates:

  • "What colors are you choosing?"

  • "What happens when you put two colors together?"

  • "Hold it up — can you see the light?"

Early finishers:

  • Make a second one

  • Try different color combinations

  • Draw a sun on the outside

4. Sharing & Closing (4 minutes)

Light Catcher Display:

  • Line up by windows

  • Hold up light catchers

  • "Ooh and ahh" at the colors!

If time: Take a photo of all light catchers

Faith Connection:

"Light is so beautiful! God made light for us, and He sent Jesus to be the Light of the World. When we hold up our light catchers, we can remember that Jesus brings beautiful light to our lives."

Advent Connection:

"You can hang this near a window at home. Every time you see the light shine through, remember that Jesus is the Light of the World!"

Closing Prayer:

"Thank you, God, for the gift of light and color. Thank you for sending Jesus to be our Light. Help us to shine with Jesus's light every day. Amen."

✅ Assessment

Observation Checklist

Skill Week 14 Week 15
Can name sources of light ☐ ☐
Understands light goes through some materials ☐ ☐
Participates in light testing ☐ ☐
Creates a light catcher — ☐
Connects light to Jesus ☐ ☐

Success Criteria

  • Student can name at least 2 light sources

  • Student can identify that tissue paper lets light through

  • Student creates a light catcher that shows color when held to light

🔄 Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-cut tissue paper shapes

  • Partner for assembly

  • Focus on one color choice

  • Hand-over-hand for taping

For Advanced Learners

  • Layer multiple colors and predict results

  • Create patterns with tissue paper

  • Explain to a friend why light goes through tissue paper

  • Design a more complex light catcher

🆘 Substitute Teacher Notes

Week 14 simplified: 1. Prayer about light 2. List things that make light 3. Use flashlights to explore what light shines through 4. Closing: Jesus is the Light of the World

Week 15 simplified: 1. Prayer 2. Free exploration with flashlights and materials 3. Simple coloring of a "light" picture 4. Closing prayer

📖 Vocabulary

Word Definition Visual Cue
Light Energy that helps us see Sun icon
Transparent Light can go through it, see-through Clear glass
Opaque Light cannot go through it Solid block
Source Where something comes from Arrow from origin
Glow To shine softly Soft light bulb

📎 Home Connection

Family Note:

"We explored light in STREAM! Your child learned that light travels through some materials (like tissue paper) but not others. We connected this to Advent — Jesus is the Light of the World! Your child made a 'light catcher' to hang near a window. Each time the light shines through, talk about how Jesus brings light to our lives."

Lesson Version: 1.2
Last Updated: 2025-12-05