Shadow shapes investigation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use the idea of light travelling in straight lines to explain shadow shape.
Key learning points
- A shadow is formed when an object blocks light travelling from a light source.
- Scientific diagrams can help us to understand shadows.
- The shape of a shadow depends on the shape of the object blocking the light.
- Because light travels in straight lines, the shape of the shadow will be the same as the outline shape of the object.
Keywords
Shadow - A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks the light.
Cast - To cast a shadow is to block light and cause a shadow.
Opaque - Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.
Light rays - A light ray is a line with an arrow on it drawn on a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling.
Outline - The outline of an object is the main shape or edge of it without any detail.
Common misconception
Shadows only form in bright light.
Children will explore shadow making and images and examples will be used to show how shadows are formed.
Teacher tip
Find a selection of interestingly shaped objects to help children understand how shadow shape is determined by the shape of the object casting the shadow.
Equipment
Torches and objects with interesting shapes to cast shadows, rulers for drawing diagrams.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these diagrams correctly represents how we see light sources?
Q2.A is formed when an object blocks light travelling from a light source.
Q3.Which of these diagrams correctly represents how we see objects which are not light sources?
Q4.Which shows the features of an object, shadows or reflections?
Q5.How can you make a shadow larger?
Q6.How does the angle of reflected light compare to the angle of incoming light?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A shadow forms when an object blocks ...
Q2.What causes the shape of a shadow?
Q3.Which of these images shows the correct shadow?
Q4.Which type of object or material would cast the darkest shadow?
Q5.Which of the following can help us understand shadows?
Q6.Why are shadows the same shape as the object blocking the light?
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Shadow shapes investigation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 science lesson on: Shadow shapes investigation, 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.