You may not be able to take a field trip into a deep, dark cave, but you can make a Dark Box that lets students experiment with seeing in dim light and darkness.
Go to the next slide for instructions.
A Dark Box is an opaque box with a hole in one end. Students take turns placing a message inside the box and trying to read the message through the opening. How much light do they need to see the message clearly? Students learn that they can see objects only when light shines on them. See Activity Prep below.
Switch to non-narrated version
In this Read-Along lesson, Santiago visits a cave and discovers that when it's dark (really dark!) he can't see anything. The lesson includes a short exercise where students find the sources of light around them. You can extend the lesson with the optional activity, Dark Box, where students experience what it's like to try to see in the dark.
Preview optional activityDark Box printout | Print 15 copies |
Dark Box Messages printout | Print 15 copies |
How To Play “Dark Box” worksheet | 15 copies |
Crayons
Colored pencils or markers will also work.
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Details
90 crayons
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Scissors
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30 pairs |
Black Cardstock
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30 sheets |
Paper Clips
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120 clips |
We recommend making enough Dark Boxes prior to class so that students can work in pairs. If you only have enough materials to make one or two Dark Boxes, you can use this experiment as an activity station.
As an alternative to making Dark Boxes with cardstock, you can also simply use a shoebox (or similar box with a lid). All you have to do is use a sharp knife to cut a 1-inch square on one end of the box that can serve as an eyehole.
If making Dark Boxes from cardstock, watch this video and follow the instructions on the printed Dark Box templates.
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