Unit Plan Template
Teacher
Sonja Gattey
Subject
Science
Grade
4
Unit /Theme
Light
Date
Spring 2011
Timeline
Big Ideas/Key Questions/Essential Understandings
LI 4.1 –
How can we alter light beams to create new ways and more efficient light?
How do we maximize the benefits of light and limit the negative effects of light?
What is the relationship between heat and light?
How does light move?
How can light be manipulated?
How is light important in various cultures?
LI 4.2 –
How does light interact with materials? Why does this interaction differ from material to material?
How does light move?
How does light help us to classify things?
How are light and optical devices related?
What is white light and why is it important to what we see?
How can we classify light?
How does the colour of light impact our lives?
LI 4.3 –
How does the eye use light?
Why do we need light?
How do we use light?
How do we make light?
How does light travel?
Can light be slowed or stopped?
Why does light matter to me and others?
What are the positive and negative consequences of various kinds of light?
How can I create an optical device? How can I make it better?
How can I conserve energy?
Outcomes
LI4.1 Investigate the characteristics and physical properties of natural and artificial sources of light in the
environment.
 I can tell the difference between natural and artificial light sources.
 I can identify the characteristics (e.g. what it does) of natural light.
 I can identify the characteristics of (e.g. what it does) artificial light.
 I can identify the properties (e.g. what it looks like) of light.
LI4.2 Analyze how light interacts with different objects and materials.
 I can describe different ways that light affects objects and materials (what the object is made of).
LI4.3 Assess personal, societal, and environmental impacts of light-related technological innovations including optical
devices.
 I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of different light-related technological innovations
(including optical devices) on the environment.
 I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of different light-related technological innovations
(including optical devices) on the society.
 I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of different light-related technological innovations
(including optical devices) on myself.
Concepts/Knowledge (nouns)
Refer to the I can statements
Pre-Assessment Plan
Anticipation guide
Instructional Strategies/Activities
Differentiated Strategies
Materials/Resources/FNMI
Reflection:
Skills (verbs)
 Compare and contrast – Venn diagram
 Ask good questions - Q Dice
 Inferring
 Experimenting
 List
 Predict
 Plan
 Record
 Communicate
Formative Assessment Plan
Summative Assessment Plan
LIGHT
Grade 4 Science
SCIENCE 4 – Light Unit
Outcomes
LI4.1 Investigate the characteristics and physical properties of natural and artificial sources of light in the
environment.
 I can tell the difference between natural and artificial light sources.
 I can identify the characteristics (e.g. what it does) of natural light.
 I can identify the characteristics of (e.g. what it does) artificial light.
 I can identify the properties (e.g. what it looks like) of light.
LI4.2 Analyze how light interacts with different objects and materials.
 I can describe different ways that light affects objects and materials (what the object is made of).
Learning Activities
Date
Lesson Activity (Learning Activity)
Assessment (f/s)
Outcome
Link
SelfReflection
  
1 2 3 4 5
Introduction
4.3 – l
Legends and Myths about Light
4.1 – c
Sources of Light
4.1 – b
4.3 a, b, h
Light Travel
4.1 – d, e
Light Reflection
4.2 – e, f
Quiz #1
Transparent, Translucent and Opaque
Materials
4.2 – c
4.3 – c
The Colours of Light
4.2 – h, i, j
Shadows
4.1 – g, h,
i
Quiz #2
Light Technology
4.3 – g
Optical Devices
4.2 – g
4.3 – e, f,
h, i
Being Responsible about Light
4.1 – f
4.3 – j, k
Careers with Light
4.3 - m
Unit Exam