If light is reflected, it is bounced off a surface.

Direction is the path that something takes to reach a particular place

A model is used to describe something that can't be experienced directly.

An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.

A periscope is a piece of equipment that uses angled mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.

Changing the direction of light

Science

In the Light and how it travels unit, pupils learn that light travels in straight lines and how objects are seen. In the Sound, light and vision unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn more about how light is reflected off mirrors, and how the eye can see objects by the light they reflect

In the Introduction to Light and shadows unit, pupils learnt that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object. In this Light and how it travels unit,  pupils will build on this knowledge to use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them

This unit explores how light travels in straight lines, explaining how we see objects and why shadows form the shape of the object casting them. It focuses on planning scientific enquiries, taking precise measurements, making predictions, and evaluating evidence to present findings.

Light and how it travels

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Use of equipment that may require supervision for safety, e.g. scissors in KS1, needles, paint, knives, cooking.

When light is reflected off the surface of an object, it changes ...

Which of these surfaces would be the best to use if you want to deliberately change the direction of a beam of light? 

to describe something that can't be experienced directly

rolling a ball towards a wall at an angle

Which of these is a good model to help us understand how light is reflected? 

A {{}} is a piece of equipment with angled lenses or mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners. 

Which of these diagrams correctly show how light is reflected through a periscope?

Light is {{}} when it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.

All of the light given out from a light-source.

An arrow used in a diagram to represent light.

All of the light reflected from a non-light source.

What is the name of the opening in the eye that allows light to enter? 

If an object is not a light source, where does the light come from that allows us to see it?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Changing the direction of light

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.