New
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- When light falls on some objects, a dark shape is formed on the other side of the object.
- A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks light.
- Opaque objects do not allow light to travel through them.
- A shadow does not show the features of an object.
- The shape of a shadow depends on the shape of the object blocking the light.
Keywords
Shadow - A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks light.
Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.
Opaque - Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.
Common misconception
Shadows contain details of the object, such as facial features of a human’s shadow. Also that a shadow can be a different shape to the object, and formed in between the light source and the object.
Explanation of how shadows are formed.
Make the classroom as dark as possible before creating shadows. A light box or an overhead projector work well for the tasks in this lesson.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Torches and other light sources, paper or cardboard, scissors, tape, pencils or lolly sticks, a range of objects made from transparent, translucent and opaque materials for testing.
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
6 Questions
Q1.Alex is classifying materials by how much light they let travel through them. Which groups should he put them into?
Alex is classifying materials by how much light they let travel through them. Which groups should he put them into?
rough and smooth
waterproof and absorbent
Q2.Which of these statements is true?
Which of these statements is true?
Opaque materials let light pass through them.
Opaque materials let some light pass through them.
Q3.Which of these images shows an object made from a transparent material?
Which of these images shows an object made from a transparent material?
jug
bathroom window
Q4.True or false? Transparent materials do not let light travel through them.
True or false? Transparent materials do not let light travel through them.
Q5.What kind of material does this image show?
What kind of material does this image show?
opaque
transparent
Q6.Which of these statements is true?
Which of these statements is true?
We can see objects clearly through translucent materials.
We cannot see objects through translucent materials.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A shadow is formed on a surface when an object blocks ...
A shadow is formed on a surface when an object blocks ...
heat.
water.
Q2.Which of these images shows a shadow?
Which of these images shows a shadow?
image 2
image 3
Q3.Which word describes materials that do not allow light to travel through them?
Which word describes materials that do not allow light to travel through them?
Q4.Which of these objects is made from an opaque material?
Which of these objects is made from an opaque material?
frosted glass window
plastic cup
Q5.The shape of a shadow depends on ...
The shape of a shadow depends on ...
the size of the object that is blocking the light.
the colour of the object that is blocking the light.
Q6.Which of these statements are true?
Which of these statements are true?
A shadow shows the features on an object.
A shadow is formed on the same side of the object as the light source.
