Lesson Plan
Lesson 4: Give Me Some Shade
A 60 minute lesson in which students investigate materials to determine how much shade they provide.
This lesson plan includes the following resources:
Preparation
Prior to conducting the lesson, prepare 12 frames (2 identical sets of 6) made from shoe-box lids or similar. Cut a 5 cm square window out of the centre of each lid. Tape a different material over the hole of each frame and write the name of the material on the frame. Ensure you select materials which cast a range of shadow densities and include some fabrics. Suggestions include: clingwrap, coloured plastic, crepe paper, coloured tissue paper, chiffon, stretchy fabric, felt, bubble wrap, calico, towelling etc.Sort offcuts of these materials and place into separate containers as the students will require samples of these to glue onto their worksheets.
Equipment
- 12 prepared frames
- A variety of materials to test shade properties
- Torch
- Clear plastic container
Lesson Plan
Tuning In
- Revisit the concept that objects are made of materials which suit their purpose and brainstorm examples of this.
- Discuss ways of minimising our exposure to the sun e.g. seeking shade, wearing protective clothing. Ask the students:
- What types of clothes can we wear to protect ourselves from the sun? (long sleeved shirts, hats, sunglasses)
- What types of materials are better for sunsafe clothes to be made from?
- What types of materials provide better shade from the sun?
Teacher Instruction
- Explain that shadows (shade) are formed because something is blocking the light. Demonstrate this by shining a torch onto your hand and indicating the shadow thus formed. Shine the torch onto a clear plastic container to demonstrate the light passing through and resultant little or no shadow.
- Show students the materials which have been taped onto the frames. Brainstorm the properties of each of these and explain that the students are about to investigate which materials provide the best shade.
- Model how to hold the frame up to the light allowing the material to cast a shadow.
- Display and discuss the Shadow Types Worksheet. Students will work with a partner and must use 6 different frames, recording their observations in the table as they go.
Guided/Independent Learning
- Monitor and support the students as they complete their investigation outside. Ensure they are recording their results and completing the worksheet as they go. Rotate the frames around the groups until each group has tested each material.
Wrapping Up
- Ask students to return to the classroom and share their findings with another pair of students.
- As a class, discuss any differences in results and why there may be discrepancies.
- Ask students to use a three fingers self-assessment to share with their partner how well they cooperated with each other during the investigation. (One finger – more effort required, two fingers – good, three fingers – excellent).
Differentiation
Extending Students
Encourage more capable students to consider those materials in the investigation which cast a little shadow and think of more materials which would cast the same type of shadow.Supporting Students
Support less confident students by completing the investigation in a small group with adult support.
Assessment Strategies
Suggested Assessment Strategies
- used strategic whole class or individual questioning
- observed student participation during learning activities
- recorded student progress on a checklist
- annotated student work samples
- collected and reviewed student work samples
- facilitated whole class or peer feedback sessions
- encouraged student self-reflection
- administered formal assessment tasks.
NSW Curriculum alignment
- STe-1WS-S
Observes, questions and collects data to communicate ideas
- STe-4MW-ST
Identifies that objects are made of materials that have observable properties
- STe-1WS-S
Observes, questions and collects data to communicate ideas
- STe-4MW-ST
Identifies that objects are made of materials that have observable properties
Victorian Curriculum alignment
- VCSIS050
Respond to and pose questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events
- VCSIS050
Respond to and pose questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events
- VCSIS050
Respond to and pose questions, and make predictions about familiar objects and events
- VCSIS051
Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions
- VCSIS051
Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions
- VCSIS051
Participate in guided investigations, including making observations using the senses, to explore and answer questions
- VCSSU044
Objects are made of materials that have observable properties
- VCSSU044
Objects are made of materials that have observable properties
- VCSSU044
Objects are made of materials that have observable properties
Australian Curriculum alignment
- ACSSU003
Objects are made of materials that have observable properties
- ACSHE013
Science involves observing, asking questions about, and describing changes in, objects and events
- ACSIS014
Pose and respond to questions about familiar objects and events
- ACSIS011
Participate in guided investigations and make observations using the senses
- ACSIS233
Engage in discussions about observations and represent ideas
- ACSIS012
Share observations and ideas
Comments & Reviews
Write a review to help other teachers and parents like yourself. If you would like to request a change (Changes & Updates) to this resource, or report an error, simply select the corresponding tab above.
Log in or sign up to join the conversation.
Request a change
Would you like something changed or customized on this resource? While our team makes every effort to complete change requests, we can't guarantee that every change will be completed.
You must be logged in to request a change. Sign up now!
Report an Error
You must be logged in to report an error. Sign up now!
Help
Are you having trouble downloading or viewing this resource? Please try the following steps:
If you are still having difficulty, please visit the Teach Starter Help Desk or contact us.
Contact us