Basic 2 · Science · Earth Science
Sources of Light
In this topic you will name natural and artificial sources of light and sort them.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Name sources of light
- Sort sources into natural and artificial
- Explain why light is important
What you already know
- The sun gives us light (Basic 1)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Cycles
- Sub-strand
- Earth Science
- Indicator
- B2.2.1.2.1 – Identify sources of light to the earth
Introduction
At night the stars shine and fireflies glow. At home we switch on bulbs and lanterns. All these give light.
1. Natural and Artificial Light
| Natural | Artificial (made by people) |
|---|---|
| sun | electric bulb |
| stars | torch |
| lightning | lantern |
| fireflies | candle |
| fire | phone screen |
Common mistake: The moon is not a source of light. It shines because sunlight falls on it.
2. Why Light is Important
- We see things.
- Plants use sunlight to make food.
- The sun dries fish, cocoa beans and clothes.
New words
- natural
- From nature, not made by people.
- artificial
- Made by people.
- source
- Where something comes from.
- glow
- To give out soft light.
Summary
- Sources of light can be natural or artificial.
- The sun is the main natural source of light.
- The moon only reflects sunlight.
Class activity: Light Sort
- Look at the picture cards of light sources.
- Sort them into natural and artificial.
- Say which ones you use at home.
You need: Potted maize seedling, Damp cloth, Printed photographs of sun-dried fish, Cocoa
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which is a natural source of light?
- A. The sun
- B. A bulb
- C. A torch
- D. A candle
Show answer
Answer: The sunIt is from nature.2. Why does the moon shine?
- A. Sunlight falls on it
- B. It has bulbs
- C. It is on fire
- D. It is a star
Show answer
Answer: Sunlight falls on itThe moon reflects sunlight.3. A torch is an artificial source of light.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePeople make torches.4. Fireflies are artificial sources of light.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseFireflies are natural.5. Things made by people are ______.
Show answer
Answer: artificialThat is artificial.6. Give one way the sun helps people.
Show answer
Answer: E.g. it dries fish and clothes.Sunlight has many uses.
Homework
- List the sources of light in your home and say if each is natural or artificial.