Activity Introduction

Quick summary: This activity has been developed to give children the opportunity to learn more about light and energy. Children look at light by playing with and talking about torches. Older children will also be encouraged to explore the different types of light and how they relate to energy.

This activity is designed to help connect children to the wonders of the natural world through sensory and play-based learning.

 

EYLF Learning Outcome

Elaborations

Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment

Outcome 4: Children are involved and confident learners

1. Children develop dispositions for learning such as curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity,

commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity

2. Children develop a range of skills and processes such as problem solving, enquiry, experimentation, hypothesising, researching and investigating

3. Children transfer and adapt what they have learned from one context to another

4. Children resource their own learning through connecting with people, place, technologies and natural and processed materials

Equipment needed: Torches, piece of paper, fabric, cushion, room that can be dimmed with curtains or blinds, wind-up solar torch (optional), Energy flashcards (ages 3-5).

Supporting resources:

Collect items and images that are associated with the theme of light to use as conversation starters.

Other resources:

Cool Australia Presents Energy from Cool Australia on Vimeo.

 

The team at Cool Australia continually reviews and refines our Early Learning resources in line with expert advice and current educational practices.

Worksheets

Teacher Worksheet

Background information

Content information for educators: Reducing energy use can make a significant contribution to reducing your environmental footprint, and the cost of running your centre or home. There are lots of ways children can be involved and feel empowered to make a difference. It’s great to change light bulbs to more efficient ones such as LEDs, or buy appliances that are energy efficient, but when you also use them efficiently you maximise their benefit.

Modelling behaviours (such as turning lights off when you go outside or using natural light rather than turning lights on, hanging out the washing on the clothes line and dressing appropriately for the weather) will encourage children to do the same. It is important, particularly with younger children, to narrate your behaviour so that they understand what you are doing and why.

You can provide opportunities for children to save energy by having energy monitors, tracking your energy use (or generation if you are lucky e

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Student Worksheet

flashcardFlashcards

Click here to download the Energy Flashcards (PDF).

Print and cut out each flashcard and glue the image to the corresponding questions.

Use the flashcards in the light activity for ages 3 to 5, or use them as conversation starters/provocations for all age groups.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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