The eyes are the organs with which we see.

We use our sense of sight to see things. We use our eyes to see.

We can detect light with our eyes in order to see things.

Light and seeing

Science

Light sources

Protecting our eyes from the Sun: plan

Protecting our eyes from the Sun: do and review

Opaque, transparent and translucent

Making shadows

Shadow size: plan

Shadow size: do

Shadow size: review

Reflected light: plan

Reflected light: do and review

Light pollution (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

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

Something that is a light source produces its own light.

Something that is human-made is made or caused by humans.

A natural object or material has not been made or changed by humans.

The Sun is a star and is at the centre of our solar system.

To protect something is to keep it safe from harm.

When something is spoiled or harmed, it is damaged. If you damage something, it will not work well and may be broken.

Ultraviolet is a type of  light produced by the Sun that human eyes cannot see. It can harm a human's skin.

A plan is a method that maps out the steps that will be taken during an investigation.

Working scientifically: Planning practical enquiries - Protecting our eyes

Ultraviolet is a type of light produced by the Sun that human eyes cannot see. It can harm a human's skin.

To put or leave something in an unprotected place.

When scientists review, they look again at what they have done and consider if it could be improved.

In a conclusion, scientists explain what the results show or mean.

Working scientifically: Making systematic observations - Protecting our eyes

A material is what an object is made from. An object can be made from more than one material.

To classify is to sort objects into groups.

Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.

Transparent materials are completely see-through.

Translucent materials allow some light to pass through but are not completely see-through.

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.

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

Distance is how far away something is or how far an object has travelled.

To measure is to use equipment to find numbers to describe a feature of something such as its length, weight, size or time.

A table is a grid in which information can be recorded and stored.

The results of a test or enquiry is what happened and what was found out.

To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces back.

A mirror is a reflective surface. Mirrors reflect a lot of light.

The surface is the top or outside layer of something.

Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.

Lux is the unit used to measure the brightness of light.

To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces off.

The result of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.

To evaluate is to think about what you did and suggest any changes or improvements.

An improvement is when something gets better or when you make it better.

Working scientifically: Gather, record and present data - Reflected light

Working scientifically: Use results to draw simple conclusions - Reflected light

Light pollution is unwanted human-made light that has a negative effect on the environment.

An urban area is an area where many people live and work close together such as a city or town.

Rural areas are found in the countryside. They are areas with fewer people and homes.

The population of a place is all of the people living there.

A campaign is a planned set of activities that people carry out in order to achieve something.

Introduction to light and shadows

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