Discover how light helps us see by exploring what happens in darkness and brightness, celebrating the abundant Caribbean sunshine while learning about illumination.
With abundant Caribbean sunshine, this outdoor activity celebrates our natural light while exploring how we see objects. The Caribbean islands enjoy approximately 3,000 hours of sunshine per year - one of our greatest natural resources! We also explore how lighthouses keep our Caribbean fishing boats safe at night.
Sunshine Detectives helps students understand that we need light to see objects. Using a simple dark box experiment, students discover that objects exist in darkness but cannot be seen without light. This activity connects to the Caribbean context by celebrating our abundant sunshine and discussing how lighthouses help keep ships safe at night.
Waves, Light & Sound: Light and Vision
Caribbean Context: Light and Safety
Caribbean islands have many lighthouses that keep ships safe:
Barbados - guides ships around the southern tip
St. Lucia - protects ships entering the harbor
Antigua - one of the oldest in the region
Ask students if they know of any lighthouses near their island!
Take students outside to observe their shadows at different times of day.
Walk around school finding natural light (sun) and artificial light (lamps, screens).
Discuss what students see when the sun rises and sets over the Caribbean Sea.
If safe and possible, take students to a dark room to experience how light affects vision.
"Why couldn't we see the objects in the dark box?"
"Where does the sun's light go at night?"
"How do lighthouses keep ships safe at night?"
"What lights help you at home when it's dark?"
"Why is the Caribbean so sunny?"
