New
New
Year 6

Light sources and light reflectors (non-statutory)

I can describe the difference between light sources and light reflectors.

New
New
Year 6

Light sources and light reflectors (non-statutory)

I can describe the difference between light sources and light reflectors.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Light can come from many different sources, such as the Sun, stars, torches, lamps and candles.
  2. Some objects appear to shine but they are reflecting light from a light source.
  3. Objects can be identified and grouped as light sources and light reflectors.

Keywords

  • Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.

  • Reflect - To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.

  • Light reflector - A light reflector is something which reflects light.

  • High-vis - High-vis is short for high-visibility and is used to describe clothing that is designed to reflect light and be easily seen.

Common misconception

Children often think that light reflectors are actually light sources because they 'shine'.

Provide opportunities for children to investigate a range of real objects for themselves. They need to know that light reflectors appear to shine because they are reflecting light from a light source.

Provide lots of silver and 'shiny' objects for children to test. Try to include a real high-vis jacket or vest and bike reflectors to demonstrate with.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Shoe box with secure lid, a range of light sources and reflectors including: mirror, battery operated candle, kitchen foil, silver coin, high-vis vest or armband, torch.

Content guidance

  • Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these do we need to be able to see things?
sound
pressure
Correct answer: light
Q2.
The Sun is a natural light .
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: source
Q3.
How does light travel?
in wavy lines
in zig-zag lines
Correct answer: in straight lines
Q4.
Light travels from a source in __________ directions.
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: all
one
two
four
Q5.
Which of these diagrams would a scientist use to show how light travels from a light source?
1
2
Correct answer: 3
Q6.
At which points can light be found in this image?
An image in a quiz
A only
B only
C only
A and C
Correct answer: A, B and C

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a light source?
Correct answer: something that produces its own light
something that can be lit up by a torch
something that appears to shine
Q2.
Which of these are light sources?
Correct answer: a star
the Moon
Correct answer: a mobile phone
a metal saucepan
Q3.
Match the type of light source with the example.
Correct Answer:natural light source,lightning

lightning

Correct Answer:light source usually made by humans,fire

fire

Q4.
The Moon appears to shine because it light from the Sun.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: reflects, bounces
Q5.
If light reflects off a surface, what does it do?
it hits a surface and is absorbed by it
Correct answer: it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction
it hits a surface and travels through it
Q6.
Which two items have been grouped incorrectly in the table?
An image in a quiz
match
Correct answer: fire
window
television
Correct answer: the Moon

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