• The sponge soaks up water, making it disappear from the tray.
• The dark object under the flashlight absorbs the light.
• The light beam goes in a straight line toward the object.
• The reflected light goes in a different direction than the absorbed light.
• The word absorption is next to the dark object under the flashlight.

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.

• Why doesn’t the light bounce off the black object like it does with the mirror?
• What kinds of materials absorb the most light?
• Can something both absorb and reflect light?
• How does absorbing light create a shadow?
• Why does light bounce off some objects?

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.

To the observational question, What happens when something is absorbed?

LOW-LEVEL

When something is absorbed, it goes inside.

HIGH-LEVEL

When something is absorbed, it goes inside an object instead of bouncing off, like when a sponge absorbs water or an object absorbs light energy.

RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”