Page 35 - FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE; EXPLORING GOD’S UNIVERSE

OPAQUE, TRANSPARENT AND TRANSLUCENT

Truth to Teach (Source)

 Objects allow varying amounts of light through them.

 To distinguish between opaque, transparent and translucent materials.

Way to Work (Means)

Equipment: Wood, paper, torches, metals, polythene, cloths, plastics, tracing paper, water, stone,
glass

1. Review the previous lessons.

2. Give the children a spelling test of the three words – opaque, transparent, translucent.
Use dictionaries to talk about the meaning of these words: -
• Opaque – all light is reflected so no light passes through.
• Transparent – light passes through so you can see through.
• Translucent – some light is reflected but some light passes through so things
appear blurred.

3. Divide the class into groups to devise and conduct fair tests to sort the above materials in
to three categories.

4. Give the children time to enter their findings into the table on the worksheet or
alternatively to record their results on the computer in table form.

5. Gather to review the main teaching points. Draw out spiritual lessons, e.g. our lives are
often translucent as we let some of Jesus’ love and light shine through us. Ideally, we
should be transparent, showing integrity, the same on the inside and outside.

Learning for Life (Fulfilment)

It is hoped that the children will be able to distinguish between the three kinds of materials, but that
they will also be able to draw spiritual lessons from their work on light.

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