Public learning track
Light, Shadows, Reflection, and Refraction
3rd Grade · Science · Open Global Science
8 lessons
Goal
Demonstrate that light travels in straight lines, explain shadow formation and size patterns, and investigate reflection, refraction, and the color spectrum.
Featured Diagrams
Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Materials
8 lessons
0 of 8 done
- 1How Light Travels in Straight Lines for VisionUp nextStart
- 2Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque MaterialsPremiumNot started yet
- 3How Shadows Form When Opaque Objects Block LightNot started yet
- 4Patterns in Shadow Size: Distance and AngleNot started yet
- 5Reflection from Flat, Rough, and Spherical SurfacesNot started yet
- 6Refraction: How Light Bends Through Water and GlassNot started yet
- 7Optical Lenses: Convex and Concave FocusingNot started yet
- 8Splitting White Light into the Color SpectrumNot started yet
Standards Covered
- OGS.4.PS.7Open Global Science Standards 2026™ · Science · Level 4 / Grade 3 (Age 8) · Grade 3Demonstrate that light travels in straight lines and is required for vision; observe reflection from flat, rough, and spherical surfaces; explain how shadows are formed when opaque objects block light paths; identify patterns in shadow size variations; explore refraction and optical lenses; and recognize that white light is a spectrum of colors.
- OGS.4.PS.1Open Global Science Standards 2026™ · Science · Level 4 / Grade 3 (Age 8) · Grade 3Distinguish between an object and the materials from which it is made, identify physical properties (such as mass, volume, flexibility, hardness, texture, magnetism, elasticity, plasticity, brittleness, and sinking or floating in water), and classify materials to determine their suitability for specific functional purposes.
Curriculum Framework
3rd Grade · Science · Open Global Science
1
8 lessons
Physical Properties of Matter and Materials
Identify and test physical properties of materials to classify them and evaluate their suitability for real-world engineering and functional uses.
2
8 lessons
States of Matter and Thermal Phase Changes
Explain the characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases using particle behavior and trace how thermal energy drives phase changes.
3
7 lessons
Mixtures, Solutions, and Separation Methods
Distinguish between heterogeneous mixtures and homogeneous solutions, and apply physical separation techniques based on material properties.
4
7 lessons
Forms of Energy and Thermal Transfer
Identify everyday forms of energy, explain thermal equilibrium, and test thermal and electrical conductors and insulators.
5
6 lessons
Forces, Motion, and Friction
Analyze contact and non-contact forces, predict how unbalanced forces change speed and direction, and measure friction across surfaces.
6
7 lessons
Simple Machines and Mechanical Advantage
Analyze how simple machines (levers, inclined planes, pulleys, screws, wheel and axle) reduce effort to perform mechanical work.
7
6 lessons
Magnets, Magnetic Poles, and Compasses
Investigate magnetic forces, attraction and repulsion between poles, magnetic materials, and geomagnetic navigation using compasses.
8
9 lessons
Static Electricity and Electric Circuits
Investigate electrostatic charges, construct complete working electric circuits, and implement safe electrical practices.
9
8 lessons
Light, Shadows, Reflection, and Refraction
Demonstrate that light travels in straight lines, explain shadow formation and size patterns, and investigate reflection, refraction, and the color spectrum.
10
7 lessons
Sound Waves, Vibrations, Pitch, and Loudness
Investigate sound as mechanical vibrations traveling through media, relating pitch to frequency and loudness to amplitude and energy.