How light travels
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain that light travels in straight lines.
Key learning points
- We need light to be able to see things.
- Light travels out from a source of light in all directions.
- Light travels in straight lines.
- Scientists use diagrams to show light travelling in straight lines .
Keywords
Light - We can detect with our eyes in order to see things.
Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.
Record - To record information is to keep it so that it can be passed on to others. This can be done in many ways including notes, tables, photos and drawings.
Diagram - A diagram is a simplified drawing of information.
Common misconception
When children think of light, they do not necessarily think of it as travelling. Also that light is found only in bright areas and not in the space between.
Provide opportunities for children to think of different ways to model and record travelling light so it is seen as a continuous straight line.
Teacher tip
Use torches that have strong, narrow beams of light and ensure you can make the room dark for practical investigation.
Equipment
Torches, thick card (some pre-cut with holes in the centre) and string.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Risk assessment required - equipment
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does light allow us do?
Q2.Which of these is true about sunlight?
Q3.Match the physical property to the description
light cannot pass through it
lets some light through but is not completely see-through
lets light pass through and is completely see-through
Q4.Which of these pieces of equipment would help you record light measurements outside over the course of a day?
Q5.What is the unit of light?
Q6.Darkness is the of light.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.We need to be able to see things with our eyes.
Q2.What is a light source?
Q3.What is a diagram?
Q4.In which direction does light travel from a light source?
Q5.Light travels in lines.
Q6.Which of these correctly shows how light travels?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: How light travels, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: How light travels, 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 Light and how it travels unit, dive into the full primary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.