If light is reflected it is bounced off a surface.

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

A protractor is a piece of equipment used to measure and draw angles.

Scientists look for patterns in data to answer their questions.

The normal line is an imaginary line that is at a right angle to a surface on which light is reflected.

Measuring reflected light: plan

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

When light is {{}} off the surface of an object, it changes direction.

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

What piece of equipment is used to measure the size of angles?

Match the unit to the measurement they are used for. 

What is the size of the angle in this diagram?

a dark line of light at a right angle to a surface from which light is reflected

an imaginary line on a protractor that is used to measure angles

an imaginary line at a right angle to a surface from which light is reflected

the line on a protractor that is used to measure angles

What is the name of the equipment shown in the image? 

see objects which are too far away to see with just our eyes

see objects which are high up or round corners

see objects which are too small to see with just our eyes

an opening in the eye that allows light to enter 

the protective surface over the front of the eye

a physical or computer representation of a scientific idea or fact.

a drawn or printed representation of a scientific idea or fact.

an explanation for why things work or how things happen.

Match the method of recording to the description.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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

Measuring reflected light: plan

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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