Making shadows
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how shadows are formed.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
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?
Q2.Which of these statements is true?
Q3.Which of these images shows an object made from a transparent material?
Q4.True or false? Transparent materials do not let light travel through them.
Q5.What kind of material does this image show?
Q6.Which of these statements is true?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A shadow is formed on a surface when an object blocks ...
Q2.Which of these images shows a shadow?
Q3.Which word describes materials that do not allow light to travel through them?
Q4.Which of these objects is made from an opaque material?
Q5.The shape of a shadow depends on ...
Q6.Which of these statements are true?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Making shadows, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Making shadows, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to light and shadows unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.