A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks light.

An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.

Something that is a light source produces its own light.

Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.

Making shadows

Science

Light and seeing

Light sources

Protecting our eyes from the Sun: plan

Protecting our eyes from the Sun: do and review

Opaque, transparent and translucent

Shadow size: plan

Shadow size: do

Shadow size: review

Reflected light: plan

Reflected light: do and review

Light pollution (non-statutory)

In this Introduction to light and shadows unit, pupils learn that we need light in order to see and that light is reflected from surfaces. In the Light and how it travels unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that objects are seen because they give out or reflect light into the eye

In the Everyday materials unit, pupils became familiar with the names of common materials and properties such as opaque and transparent. In this Introduction to light and shadows unit, pupils will build on this knowledge to recognise that shadows are formed when light is blocked by an opaque object

This unit explores the nature of light, recognising that light is needed to see and that dark is the absence of light. It covers how light reflects and shadow formation. The unit emphasises practical tests, observations, accurate measuring, and using evidence to support findings.

Introduction to light and shadows

A shadow is formed on a surface when an object blocks ...

Which word describes materials that do **not** allow light to travel through them?

Which of these objects is made from an opaque material?

the size of the object that is blocking the light.

the shape of the object that is blocking the light.

the colour of the object that is blocking the light.

A shadow shows the features on an object.

A shadow does not show the features on an object.

A shadow is formed on the same side of the object as the light source.

A shadow is the same shape as the object.

A shadow is formed on the other side of the object as the light source.

Alex is classifying materials by how much light they let travel through them. Which groups should he put them into?

Opaque materials let light pass through them.

Opaque materials let some light pass through them.

Opaque materials do not let light pass through them.

Which of these images shows an object made from a transparent material?

True or false? Transparent materials do **not** let light travel through them.

What kind of material does this image show?

We can see objects clearly through translucent materials.

We can see objects through translucent materials but not clearly.

We cannot see objects through translucent materials.

Exit Quiz

A shadow is formed on a surface when an object blocks ...