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Lessons / Apparent brightness with energy light meter

Apparent brightness with energy light meter

Individual lesson

MakeCode

7-11 yrs

The BBC micro:bit has a light sensor on its LED display which can be used to explore light levels at different distances from a light source. 

Building on this, you can use the micro:bit and a light source to create a model demonstrating the apparent brightness of objects in space based on their relative distance from Earth. Students can then create a scientific argument based on their observation of the model.

This activity requires a light source.

Sciences:

Light

Space

Working scientifically

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Overall key learning

Learning objectives are at three different levels:

  • Mild - I can collect light level data at different distances from the light source using the micro:bit energy light meter.
  • Medium - I can modify my own energy light meter program to collect accurate light level data.
  • Spicy - I can create my own energy light level program to collect accurate light level data.

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CA NGSS Standards

5-ESS1 Earth’s Place in the Universe

  • 5-ESS1-1. Support an argument that the apparent brightness of the sun and stars is due to their relative distances from Earth.

CA CS Standards

  • 3-5.DA.8 Organize and present collected data visually to highlight relationships and support a claim. (P7.1)
  • 3-5.DA.9 Use data to highlight and/or propose relationships, predict outcomes, or communicate ideas. (P7.1)
  • 3-5.AP.11 Create programs that use variables to store and modify data. (P5.2)
  • 3-5.AP.12 Create programs that include events, loops, and conditionals. (P5.2)
  • 3-5.CS.2 Demonstrate how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks. (P4.4)
  • 3-5.CS.3 Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies. (P6.2)
  • 3-5.AP.14 Create programs by incorporating smaller portions of existing programs, to develop something new or add more advanced features. (P4.2, P5.3)
  • 3-5.AP.17 Test and debug a program or algorithm to ensure it accomplishes the intended task. (P6.2)