New
New
Lesson 7 of 12
New
New
- Year 3
Shadow size: plan
I can make a plan to investigate how the size of shadows can change.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an object.
- The size of a shadow changes depending on the distance of an object from the light source.
- Scientists ask questions and then plan how to carry out the right type of investigation to find answers.
- A fair test investigation is when only one thing is changed and another is measured. All other things are kept the same.
Keywords
Shadow - A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks a source of light.
Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.
Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Distance - Distance is how far away something is or how far an object has travelled.
Common misconception
The size of a shadow does not change.
Explanation of how the size of shadows can be changed.
Make the classroom as dark as possible for Task A. Creating shadows against a blank wall makes it easier to observe how they change.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Torches, variety of objects to make shadows, e.g. book, pencil, ruler.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
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.What happens when light falls on some objects?
What happens when light falls on some objects?
A dark shape is formed between the light source and the object.
A dark shape is formed on the other side of the light source.
Q2.What is a shadow?
What is a shadow?
A dark shape that is formed when an object blocks heat.
A dark shape that is formed when an object blocks water.
Q3.Which of these statements is correct?
Which of these statements is correct?
Opaque materials allow all light to pass through them.
Opaque materials allow some light to pass through them.
Q4.What is a light source?
What is a light source?
A light source is something that produces its own food.
A light source is something that produces its own heat.
Q5.The shape of a shadow depends on the of the object.
The shape of a shadow depends on the of the object.
Q6.Which of these images shows the shadow of a mug?
Which of these images shows the shadow of a mug?
image 1
image 3
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How are shadows formed?
How are shadows formed?
Shadows are formed when water is blocked by an object.
Shadows are formed when heat is blocked by an object.
Q2.Which of these is a light source?
Which of these is a light source?
the Moon
a mirror
Q3.True or false? The size of a shadow does not change.
True or false? The size of a shadow does not change.
Q4.The size of a shadow changes depending on ...
The size of a shadow changes depending on ...
the brightness of the light source.
the size of the light source.
Q5.Why do scientists plan investigations?
Why do scientists plan investigations?
to test things
to record results
Q6.A fair test investigation ...
A fair test investigation ...
involves changing lots of things.
involves keeping everything the same.
