This document discusses different types of materials and how they interact with light. It defines three categories: transparent materials that light passes through clearly, like glass and water; translucent materials that scatter light and prevent a clear view, like thin fabrics and wax paper; and opaque materials that block light completely and cast shadows, like brick, metal and thick paper. The activity has students observe and classify sample materials as transparent, translucent or opaque based on how light passes through them.

1. Light Exploration
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Grade

2. Learner Expectation
 Content Standard: 14.0 Energy
 The student will investigate energy and
its uses.
 Learning Expectations:
 14.1 Know that energy exists in many
forms.
 14.2 Recognize the characteristics of
light energy and sound energy.

3. In this activity you will:
 Observe that light passes through some
materials easily,some materials
partially, and some not at all.
 Classify materials according to the way
light passes through them.

4. Materials and Light
 There are three different types of
materials that light will or will not pass
through.
 Transparent
 Translucent
 Opaque

5. Transparent Light
 Materials that you can see through
allow almost all of the light to pass
through.
 Light is allowed through with very little
bending or scattering of the rays of light.

6. Examples of Transparent
Materials
 Clear glass
 Clean water
 Clear plastic

7. Question
 Why is transparent tape called
transparent tape?

8. Answer
 You can see through it or light rays are
allowed to pass through it.
 I can completely see my leftovers
wrapped in transparent plastic wrap.

9. Translucent Materials
 Materials that allow only some light to pass
through.
 Objects allow light to pass through, but they
scatter the rays so much that you cannot get
a clear view of what is on the other side.
 Examples of Translucent Materials
 Thin fabrics
 Frosted glass
 Thin paper

10. Question
 Why is wax paper translucent?

11. Answer
 You can see some light, but you cannot
see through it.
I can barely see my leftovers wrapped in
wax paper.

12. Opaque Materials
Light cannot pass through these
materials.

13. Examples of Opaque
Materials
 Brick
 Metal
 Thick paper
 Aluminum Foil
 Wood
 Stones

14. Quick Facts about Opaque
Materials
 These objects will cast a shadow when
lit up.
 Brick, metal, and thick paper stop light
completely.
 This is why you cannot see your
leftovers wrapped in aluminum foil!

15. Writing Activity
 Write a paragraph that includes a
definition and example of
transparent , translucent and
opaque light.