See the Light

Intro: See the Light

Have you ever looked at how light passes through the window? Have you looked at stained glass and wondered how sunlight looks different when it shines through? Have you ever seen light passing through a peephole?

This integrative STEAM project combines scientific core ideas. It looks into the technology used in creating light-based artifacts and how artists from different cultural backgrounds have expressed themselves over time. It also involves applying mathematical concepts and engineering practices when creating.

In this project, students will explore the properties of light and its applications in real-world structures. They will examine surfaces around them for their opacity, transparency, and translucency and determine the reasons behind choosing materials when constructing. 

Students will also learn about the history of light structures, mainly stained glass windows, and how they can be used to tell a story or display a pattern.

Students will be introduced to Circular Economy and sustainable making practices. Students will also learn about the importance of choosing a suitable material and designing a light structure using biodegradable or recyclable materials; students will connect their learning to real-world issues of environmental consciousness and responsible design.

Plan outline and See the Light Slide Deck -

Lesson Plan, Objectives, and Alignment to NGSS and ISTEE Standards

STEP 1: What Is Light?

1) To gauge students' prior knowledge, start with the KLEWS chart, which can be revisited periodically during the project. The KLEWS chart is a visual tool that helps students organize their thinking and prompts inquiry by identifying what they think they know, what they learned, what they are excited to find out, and what they Still wonder about a topic or project. You may use post-its to gather students' thoughts.

2) Explain the properties of light.

3) Have students experiment with materials such as flashlights, coins, mirrors, containers, paper, shadows, and videos. Alternatively, they can also explore using PhET simulations Play with Color and Light- AMNH, Play with Color and Bend Light.

STEP 2: Present Design Challenge

Share examples of how artists around the world manipulate the properties of materials and light to create visually stunning sculptures, such as stained glass windows in churches and mosques to Chihuly's glass sculptures that play with transparency and color.

Challenge

Create a sustainable display that uses the properties of light to engage the viewer and communicate a message through the art.  

1) Review Design Thinking Steps

2) Have students Ideate, Brainstorm, Prototype

3) Let the Challenge Begin

STEP 3: Bottle Luminaires

1. Think of a design
2. Pick and empty an empty glass bottle.
3. Layer paper based on the design plan (opaque, transparent, translucent, reflective)
4. Place Finger light or tea light in the jar
5. Enjoy

STEP 4: Student Work - I See the Light - Pin Punch

1. Draw or trace design on black construction paper (opaque)
2. Pin punch holes along drawing or tracing. Leave some space between hole punches
3. Place against window or near light source
4. Enjoy

STEP 5: Student Work - Stained Glass Ode to the Earth

1. Plan and draft design
2. Measure window
3. Cut brown/ black paper and scale drawing on a sheet.
4. Trace the design on opaque brown or black paper.
5. Cut out parts of the design with an Exacto knife
6. Place cellophane colored paper as per design
7. Lay panel on window
8. Enjoy! Over the course of the day, the reflection will move around the room, and this can lead to further discussion.

STEP 6: Student Work - Geometric Stained Glass Panels

1. Draw geometric designs, tessellations, or trace geometric motifs
2. Color with Sharpie
3. Lay against window
4. Study reflection patterns during the day

STEP 7: Student Work - Moving Mirrors

1. Paste reflective mirror sheets on cardboard
2. Fold the the cardboard in half so that it opens like a book
3. Place random objects and move the mirror to observe patterns