Reflected light
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain that we see things when light is reflected from an object into the eye.
Key learning points
- Reflection involves a source of light and a surface.
- Light travels towards a surface and bounces off it.
- We often see things because light travels from light sources to objects and then to our eyes.
- Scientific diagrams and models can be used to show how we see reflected light.
Keywords
Light source - A light source produces its own light.
Reflect - Light is reflected when it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.
Surface - A surface is the top or outside layer of an object or material.
Light ray - A light ray is an arrow drawn on a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling.
Common misconception
Light shines out of our eyes; a light ray is a long thin piece of light; light is made of light rays added together; light can only be reflected off shiny surfaces.
Explicit teaching about sources of light, what a light ray is; plenty of demonstrations and practice of drawing diagrams.
Teacher tip
Encourage pupils to think about the journey of light from the source to an object and then into our eyes. See video to demonstrate specific aspects of working scientifically linked to the content of this lesson.
Equipment
A ball of wool or string and objects from around the room.
Content guidance
Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.We see things when enters the eye.
Q2.What is the name given to a simplified drawing of information?
Q3.Which of these is a natural light source?
Q4.Match the word with the example.
match
the Moon
Q5.In scientific diagrams, how is light shown?
Q6.The of the eye is an opening that allows light to enter the eye.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How do we see light sources when we look directly at them?
Q2.What is the name given to the arrow drawn in a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling?
Q3.To light is when light hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.
Q4.How do we see things that are not light sources?
Q5.Starting with the one which happens first, order these steps explaining how we see things which are not light sources.
Q6.Which of these diagrams correctly shows how we see the teddy?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Reflected light, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Reflected light, 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.