Grade 2 Environmental Activities Light Energy – Sources Of Light Notes

Light Energy — Sources of Light

Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

• Identify things that make light (sources of light).
• Tell the difference between natural and artificial sources of light.
• Say why we need light and how it helps us to see.
• Show simple safe ways to use light (light safety).

What is a source of light?

A source of light is anything that makes light. Light helps us to see things around us. Some things make light themselves; others only reflect light (like the moon).

Why do we need light?

• To see things clearly (day and night).
• To read books and do homework.
• To keep safe (street lights, lamps).
• To help plants grow (sunlight).

Safety with light

Remind learners:

• Do not look directly at the sun — it can hurt your eyes.
• Ask an adult before using candles, kerosene lamps or matches.
• Keep torches and lamps away from water unless they are safe to use.

Suggested Learning Experiences (Activities)

1. Walk outside in the compound or near the school.
   • Ask pupils to point out sources of light they can see (sun, lamp posts, car lights at night).
2. Torch and shadow experiment (class activity)
   • Materials: torch/flashlight, a small toy, white paper or a wall.
   • Steps: In a dark corner, shine the torch on the toy. Ask children to move the torch and see the shadow move. Let them draw the shadow on paper.
   • Learning: Light makes shadows; the direction of the light changes the shadow.
3. Sorting game (group work)
   • Make cards with pictures: sun, bulb, candle, stars, torch, fire.
   • Pupils sort cards into two piles: Natural or Artificial sources.
4. Drawing and story time
   • Ask pupils to draw a scene showing where they get light at home and write one sentence (with help): "We use a solar lamp" or "We see the sun in the morning."
5. Simple observation homework (to involve parents)
   • Ask learners to list three sources of light at home and tell how they are used (with parent help).

Materials needed

Torch, pictures/cards, paper, crayons, small toys, white wall or paper for shadows.

Assessment / Questions (for age 7)

• Point to three sources of light in the picture. (Or name three.)
• Is the sun natural or artificial? (Answer: Natural)
• What can make a shadow? (Answer: A light and an object)
• Tell one rule to keep safe when using fire or candles.
• Practical: Use a torch to show a shadow and tell what you saw.

Key words

Source of light, natural, artificial, sun, torch, bulb, candle, shadow, safety.