Light test: transparent, translucent and opaque for 1st grade science
What it is: a 1st grade science investigation where students shine a flashlight through different materials and sort them by how much light passes through: all of it (transparent), some of it (translucent) or none (opaque).
Time: about 25 minutes. Grade: 1st grade.
Materials: a flashlight per group, a white wall or sheet of paper, and materials: plastic wrap, wax paper, tissue paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, a clear cup, fabric, a paper plate.
- Darken the room a little. Shine the flashlight on the wall and ask: "What happens if I put my hand in front?"
- Teach the three words with three examples: clear cup, wax paper, cardboard.
- Groups test each material: one holds it, one shines the light, one records.
- Groups sort the materials into three piles and draw what the light looked like on the wall.
- Ask: "Why are windows transparent? Why are curtains often translucent or opaque?"
Safety: never shine a flashlight into anyone's eyes, and keep a little light on in the room.
Differentiation: students who need support sort into two groups first: light goes through, or it doesn't. Students who are ready predict before every test. English learners can use the frame "Light goes through ___."
Quick check: hold up a material you have not tested and ask a student to predict where it goes and why.
Save this activity to your library so it is ready when you need it.
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About this resource
- Shared by
- @UpOnlyLearning · Curriculum team
- Posted
- Oct 30, 2026
- Type
- Lesson plan
- Grade
- Grades K–2
- Subject
- Science
- Language
- English
- License
- Free for classroom, co-op and tutoring use. Please don't resell.