Discover - Where Light Comes From

We rely on the Sun as the main source of light on Earth, and during the daytime, it provides light for all the plants and animals to use.  What happens during night?  Or, what about plants and animals that live where sunlight cannot reach such as the bottom of the ocean?  Where else can light come from?

Light comes from light sources, which are things that produce light.  Light sources can be natural such as the Sun or artificial (man-made) such as a light bulb.

Natural sources of light occur without people to produce them.  The sun and the stars are examples of natural light sources.  Some animals such as the angler fish produce their own light.  This bioluminescence is considered a natural light source.





Artificial sources of light require people to produce them. The light from a burning candle or flashlight are both examples of artificial sources of light. Humans invented artificial sources of light to use when natural sources are not available. Now, we simply flip a switch when we want light. Can you imagine your life if you had to rely only on natural sources of light?







 Notebook: Where does light come from?

  1. Click here to download this activity.
  2. Complete the activity using the links provided (in the activity and below).
  3. Check your answers below and correct your work.
  4. Save your corrected work to your Light Notebook.

Activity Links:

Check Your Answers

Once you have completed this activity, check your answers below.

Natural sources of light

Artificial sources of light

Examples:

  • stars
  • fire*
  • fireflies
  • lightning

Examples:

  • fire*
  • candle
  • flashlight
  • camera flash
  • TV
  • barbecue
  • fireworks
  • lantern