in

All About Light and Dark

Light and Dark Quiz
Light and Dark Quiz

You probably don’t think much about light and dark. After all, you can turn on a switch and the lights go on. Even in the middle of the night, you can have light. Two hundred years ago, though, people were very aware of light and dark. They worked during the day when the Sun was shining. As the sun went down, they used candles or oil lamps to see. However, these lights were dim. Outside, there were no street lights. The only light available came from the moon and stars. Night was very, very dark. People usually went to bed when the sun went down and woke up early.

Sources of Light - Science for Kids All About Light and Dark
All About Light and Dark: Different natural and other sources of light includes Sun, candles, bulbs, lamps etc.

What sources of light do you use every day? The sun is the biggest source of light. It warms the world so plants grow and animals can live. It allows you to work and play. Without the light of the sun, all life on earth would die. We also have electric light bulbs that bring us light. How about candles and flashlights? These light sources all need energy – from electricity, wax or batteries – to shine.

Shadow Formation Image
A shadow happens when an object blocks the sun’s rays. When your hands block light, their shadow is formed on the wall.

Fun Facts about Light and Dark for Kids

  • A shadow happens when an object blocks the sun’s rays. Shadows are longer in the winter because of the angle of the sun.
Long Winter Shadow Image
During winter longer shadows are formed due to angle of sun.
  • Some animals are nocturnal. They are awake at night. These animals usually can see very well in the dark. Our eyes aren’t designed to see well at night.
  • Black or dark objects absorb light and heat. White or light objects reflect it. During the summer, you’ll stay cooler if you wear light clothing.
  • Some objects, such as glass, are transparent. Light can shine through them. Some light shines through translucent objects, such as a balloon or sheet of wax paper. Light cannot shine through opaque objects and you can’t see through them. Opaque objects, including a desk, bath towel or blanket, are solid.
How Light Refraction Works Image
Some objects, such as glass, are transparent. Light can shine through them.

Light and Dark Vocabulary

  1. Dim: dull, not bright
  2. Shadow: a patch of darkness
  3. Nocturnal: awake at night
  4. Opaque: light cannot penetrate it. You cannot see through it.
  5. Transparent: light can shine through it and you can see through it.
  6. Translucent: some light shines through it and you can partly see through it

Learn More All About Light and Dark

Check out this amazing video about darkness:

A video explaining why we can’t see in the dark.

Light and Dark Q&A

Question: Do shiny objects, like a new penny, give off light?

Answer: No, these objects do not give off light and they need light to appear shiny.

 

Enjoyed the Easy Science for Kids Website all about Light and Dark info? Take the FREE & fun all about Light and Dark quiz and download FREE all about Light and Dark worksheet for kids. For lengthy info click here.