Shadows
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what happens when light travels and how shadows can form.
Key learning points
- Transparent objects transmit light (let light travel through them). Opaque objects do not transmit light through them.
- Light travels in straight lines at an extremely high speed, spreading out as it travels.
- Light rays are straight arrows added to diagrams to show the direction that some light is travelling.
- A shadow is an unlit area in the shape of an object that is blocking light.
Keywords
Transparent - describes materials that you can clearly see through because they let light pass through them
Transmit - if light passes through a material, we say that material transmits light
Opaque - describes materials you can’t see through at all, as these materials do not let any light pass through them
Light ray - an arrow added to a diagram to show the direction that some light is travelling
Shadow - an unlit area in the shape of an object that is blocking light
Common misconception
Pupils sometimes think light is made up from light rays (small thing 'pieces' of light). Pupils may also think shadows are objects, reflections or that shadows are always black.
Light rays are just arrows showing the direction some light travels, like arrows on a map showing a route. Leave what light is (oscillating electric & magnetic fields) to KS4. Shadows are unlit areas that look dark compared to lit surroundings.
Teacher tip
The lesson contains many photographs that could be demonstrated live in the classroom. A laser could be used to show how light travels in straight lines. The activity 'PSL1.2 RA Laser Shadow' from the Best Evidence Science Teaching resources can demonstrate how this causes shadows to form.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.It is completely dark inside a room. Which of the following statements explains why?
Q2.Which of the following statements explains how we can see an object?
Q3.A person stands in a room and looks into a mirror. They can see the room in the mirror. Which of the following statements explains why?
Q4.Which of the following is a word meaning ‘what we see in a mirror’?
Q5.Which of the following correctly describes what a shadow is?
Q6.Which of the following statements is correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following statements about light rays are correct?
Q2.Which of the following statements are correct?
Q3.Why does a lamp look dimmer when you are farther away from it?
Q4.Match each of the following words with its definition.
describes materials you cannot see through at all
letting light pass through
material that lets light pass but you can’t see through it clearly
material you can see through clearly
Q5.Which of the following statements correctly describe why some objects have shadows?
Q6.Which of the following explains why the shadow of a tree on the ground moves during a sunny day?
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Shadows, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 science lesson on: Shadows, 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 3 science lessons from the Sound, light and vision unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.