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Seeing the Light

Science and Children—December 2009

Conceptually, students are typically introduced to light as a type of wave. However, children struggle to understand this model because it is highly abstract. Light can be represented more concretely using the photon model. According to this scientific model, light emanates from sources as tiny “packets” of energy (called photons) that move in straight lines and are reflected, absorbed, or passed through objects. Given that the photon model more concretely represents light, this model offers a greater opportunity for children to meaningfully learn this concept. The following lessons describe how to teach light and color using the photon model.
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