Changing the direction of light
I can explain how mirrors are reflective materials that are used to change the direction in which light travels.
- Year 6
Changing the direction of light
I can explain how mirrors are reflective materials that are used to change the direction in which light travels.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When light is reflected off the surface of an object, it changes direction.
- Scientific diagrams and models can be used to show how light changes direction when it is reflected off surfaces.
- Mirrors are sometimes used to deliberately change the direction of a beam of light.
- A periscope has angled mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.
Keywords
Reflected - If light is reflected, it is bounced off a surface.
Direction - Direction is the path that something takes to reach a particular place
Model - A model is used to describe something that can't be experienced directly.
Angle - An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.
Periscope - A periscope is a piece of equipment that uses angled mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.
Common misconception
Light can only reflect off shiny surface; light does not always travel in straight lines when it bounces off a mirror.
Diagrams and investigations will be used to address the misconceptions.
Equipment
Balls, torches, mirrors, sticky tack, felt tip pens, protractors and large paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Light travels in __________ lines.
Q2.Which of these is not a light source?
Q3.Light is when it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.
Q4.What is a light ray?
Q5.What is the name of the opening in the eye that allows light to enter?
Q6.If an object is not a light source, where does the light come from that allows us to see it?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When light is reflected off the surface of an object, it changes ...
Q2.Which of these surfaces would be the best to use if you want to deliberately change the direction of a beam of light?
Q3.What are scientific models useful for?
Q4.Which of these is a good model to help us understand how light is reflected?
Q5.A is a piece of equipment with angled lenses or mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.
Q6.Which of these diagrams correctly show how light is reflected through a periscope?
