Introduction to light and shadows
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Everyday materials, where they explored the properties of different materials. In Introduction to light and shadows, pupils will learn how light interacts with materials to create shadows and how light is essential for seeing. This prepares them for the next unit, Light and how it travels, where they will deepen their understanding by exploring how light moves in straight lines, reflects, and refracts, reinforcing key concepts about light and vision.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Plants need light in order to grow and stay healthy
- Some materials let light through (are transparent) and some do not (are opaque).
- The Sun gives us life and day length can vary throughout the year
- Shadows can be observed in everyday experiences
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on pupils' prior learning from Everyday materials, where they explored the properties of different materials. In Introduction to light and shadows, pupils will learn how light interacts with materials to create shadows and how light is essential for seeing. This prepares them for the next unit, Light and how it travels, where they will deepen their understanding by exploring how light moves in straight lines, reflects, and refracts, reinforcing key concepts about light and vision.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Plants need light in order to grow and stay healthy
- Some materials let light through (are transparent) and some do not (are opaque).
- The Sun gives us life and day length can vary throughout the year
- Shadows can be observed in everyday experiences
Chemistry
Physics
Introduction to light and shadows
This unit explores the nature of light, recognising that light is needed to see and that dark is the absence of light. It covers how light reflects and shadow formation. The unit emphasises practical tests, observations, accurate measuring, and using evidence to support findings.
12 lessons in unit
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Introduction to light and shadows unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary science curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary science programmes.