Lesson summary
This activity has been designed to support early learning centres joining in Enviroweek. By participating in this activity children are given the opportunity to learn more about light and energy. Children look at light by playing with and talking about torches.
This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.
Learning goals:
- The aim of this activity is to provide children with an opportunity to explore the topic of energy by looking at light. Children respond to ideas and suggestions from educators around the topics of light, and use play to investigate and explore new ideas. Older children will begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between the use of energy by humans and the health of our environment by participating in rich and meaningful inquiry based activities, while younger children undertake group investigations and explore their own interests as they relate to the topic of energy.
Lesson guides and printables
Lesson details
Curriculum mapping
Learning Outcome 2:
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- 2.3 Children become aware of fairness
Learning Outcome 4:
- Children are confident and involved learners
- 4.1 Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity
- 4.2 Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem-solving, inquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating
- 4.4 Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials
Resources required
- Torches
- Piece of paper
- Fabric
- Cushion
- Room that can be dimmed with curtains or blinds
- Wind-up solar torch (optional)
- Energy flashcards.
Supporting resources:
- Pictures – Energy Flashcards
- Websites – Climate Kids – NASA
- Collect items and images that are associated with the theme of light to use as conversation starters.
Other resources:
Additional info
Cool Australia Presents Energy from Cool Australia on Vimeo.
Following this lesson plan is an ideal way for your centre to take part in Enviroweek. You’ll be joining thousands of amazing educators and teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change.
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