Light and Shadows: How They Form and Change
This lesson explores the physics of light and shadow for Year 6 students. It focuses on the principle that light travels in straight lines and demonstrates how the interaction between light sources and opaque objects results in the formation of shadows. Students will investigate how changing the distance of a light source affects the size of the shadow produced.
Learning objectives
- Explain that light appears to travel in straight lines.
- Use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain that objects create shadows.
- Explain how the size and shape of shadows change based on the position of the light source.
- Identify the difference between opaque, translucent, and transparent materials in relation to shadows.
Lesson plan (60 minutes)
Introduction · 10 min
Hook: The 'Mysterious Silhouette'. Show objects behind a screen and have students identify them by shadow. Discuss what is needed to make a shadow.
Teacher Input · 15 min
Direct instruction using the 'Explainer Script'. Demonstration of shadow size changes using a torch and a glue stick.
Guided Practice · 20 min
Main investigation: Students work in groups to measure how the distance from a light source affects shadow height.
Independent Application · 10 min
Differentiated worksheets: Students complete the Support, Core, or Stretch tasks based on their understanding.
Plenary · 5 min
8-question quiz to check for misconceptions and consolidate learning.
Key vocabulary
- Opaque
- A material that allows no light to pass through it.
- Translucent
- A material that allows some light to pass through, but scatters it so objects aren't clear.
- Transparent
- A material that allows almost all light to pass through clearly.
- Shadow
- An area of darkness produced by an object blocking light.
- Emit
- To give out or send forth (like a light bulb emitting light).
Core worksheet (first questions)
- 1. Explain how a shadow is formed using the word 'rays'.
- 2. Describe the difference between opaque, translucent, and transparent materials.
- 3. What happens to the size of a shadow when the distance between the object and the screen is decreased (moved closer to the screen)?
- 4. Why are shadows dark? Use the way light travels in your answer.
Quiz (sample)
1. How does light travel?
- A. Zig-zags
- B. Circles
- C. Straight lines
- D. Waves that bend around corners
2. Why does a shadow form?
- A. It is reflected by a mirror.
- B. It is blocked by an opaque object.
- C. It passes through a transparent window.
- D. It is sucked into a black hole.
3. Which type of material blocks all light?
- A. Transparent
- B. Translucent
- C. Opaque
- D. Reflective
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Support and Stretch worksheets, every answer and model answer, the teaching explainer and common misconceptions, editable and ready to print as PDF or Word.
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