Light

Light is a form of energy that allows us to see. This unit helps students explore the properties of light: where it comes from, how it moves, and how it interacts with objects. Objects can absorb light, reflect it, or both. Certain surfaces absorb more light than others. Absorbed light energy turns into heat energy. When an object blocks light, shadows form on the opposite side and resemble the object. Visible light is made up of all the colors of the rainbow. Objects appear colorful because they absorb certain colors of light and reflect others to our eyes. Understanding the physical properties of light helps us anticipate how light will behave as we use it and interact with it. Light also adds to the beauty and complexity of the world around us.