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Lesson 3 of 11
Lesson 3 of 11
New
New
Light enters our eyes
I can explain that we see things when light travels into the eye.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- We need light to see things.
- We see things when light enters the eye.
- The pupil of the eye is an opening that allows light to enter the eye.
- Scientific diagrams and models can be used to show how light travels in straight lines and enters the eye.
Keywords
Light - We can detect light with our eyes in order to see things.
Enter - To enter means to go inside.
Pupil - The pupil of the eye is an opening that allows light to enter the eye.
Model - A model is used to describe something that can't be experienced directly.
Diagram - A diagram is a simplified drawing of information.
Common misconception
Our eyes produce light, which allows us to see.
Pupils will be taught that we see when light enters our eyes and will model and draw this themselves.
Help pupils understand the idea of light entering our eyes to allow us to see by exploring how their own pupils change in response to bright and dim light. See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to the content of this lesson.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A ball of string and access to a light source.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
Download quiz pdf
6 Questions
Q1.Match the part of the body to the sense with which it is associated.
Match the part of the body to the sense with which it is associated.
smell
touch
sight
hearing
taste
Q2.Match the phrase to the correct definition.
Match the phrase to the correct definition.
an object which produces its own light
an object which does not produce its own light
Q3.How could you test objects to observe if they are light sources or light reflectors?
How could you test objects to observe if they are light sources or light reflectors?
see how shiny they are
shake them
shine a torch on them
Q4.Which item is in the wrong column of this table of results?
Which item is in the wrong column of this table of results?
star
mobile phone
torch
TV
Q5. is the absence of light.
is the absence of light.
Q6.When light travels from a light source, in which direction does it travel?
When light travels from a light source, in which direction does it travel?
towards the light source
up and down
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.We use our eyes to see and we need to see.
We use our eyes to see and we need to see.
Q2.We see things when light ________ the eye.
We see things when light ________ the eye.
leaves
bounces off
Q3.What do scientists often use to represent their ideas, in order to help people understand the world?
What do scientists often use to represent their ideas, in order to help people understand the world?
paintings
drama
Q4.What is the name of the opening in the eye that allows light to enter?
What is the name of the opening in the eye that allows light to enter?
student
iris
black hole
Q5.Which of the following scientific models is correct?
Which of the following scientific models is correct?
1
3
Q6.Which of the following scientific diagrams is correct?
Which of the following scientific diagrams is correct?
2
3