Investigation Lesson
90 minutes (2 45-minute classes)
Lesson Time:
The purpose of Lesson 11 is to explore the benefits of natural lighting for human health, learning, and to minimize the amount of electricity needed to power artificial lights within buildings. Students figure out how the placement of windows on certain walls in a space can change the amount of natural light throughout the day.
What will we do?
Revisit ideas about light transmission through a window.
Investigate the effects of window placement on different sides of the building across the school day and school year.
Update the class model to include new ideas about window direction in the building shell.
Materials needed
Per student | Per Group | Per Class |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Advance preparation
Install Lux Meter App on student devices or purchase/use light meters.
Preview slides and teacher guide.
Print handouts.
Copyright © 2026 The Curators of the University of Missouri in collaboration with Colorado State University, BSCS Science Learning, and Oregon Public Broadcasting.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (Award No 2201204). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSF.