Reflected light: plan
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can plan how to compare different materials based on how reflective they are.
Key learning points
- Reflection involves a source of light and a surface.
- Light reflected from a surface is called reflected light.
- Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
- Light is measured in lux (lx) and can be recorded using a data logger.
Keywords
Reflect - To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces back.
Reflective - A mirror is a reflective surface. Mirrors reflect a lot of light.
Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.
Data logger - Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
Lux - Lux is the unit used to measure the brightness of light.
Common misconception
Only mirrors and very shiny materials reflect light.
Explanation that lots of different materials reflect different amounts of light.
Teacher tip
Free light sensors can be downloaded as apps onto tablets to use in Task B. If this is not possible, ask the children to rate each material out of 5 where 0/5= does not appear to reflect any light and 5/5= appears to reflect a lot of light.
Equipment
Rulers, data loggers, torches, materials- white card, black card, foil, baking paper, plastic bag, cotton fabric, mirror, laminated paper.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How are shadows created?
Q2.Objects made of which kind of material make the darkest shadows?
Q3.What is a surface?
Q4.What happens to an object's shadow when the object moves further away from a light source?
Q5.Which word describes data that repeats in a recognisable way?
Q6.Why is it important for scientists to record the results of an investigation?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Reflection happens when ...
Q2.What is the surface of a material?
Q3.When light travels towards a surface and bounces off it, this is called ...
Q4.Which of these images shows a data logger?
Q5.What do data loggers do?
Q6.What unit of measurement do we measure light in?
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Reflected light: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 science lesson on: Reflected light: plan, 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.