Light sources and light reflectors (non-statutory) | Science

Starter quiz

Which of these do we need to be able to see things?

sound

pressure

light ✓
The Sun is a natural light ______.

'source' ✓
How does light travel?

in wavy lines

in zig-zag lines

in straight lines ✓
Light travels from a source in __________ directions.

all ✓

one

two

four
Which of these diagrams would a scientist use to show how light travels from a light source?

1

2

3 ✓
At which points can light be found in this image?

A only

B only

C only

A and C

A, B and C ✓

Exit quiz

What is a light source?

something that produces its own light ✓

something that can be lit up by a torch

something that appears to shine
Which of these are light sources?

a star ✓

the Moon

a mobile phone ✓

a metal saucepan
Match the type of light source with the example.

natural light source

⇔

lightning ✓

light source usually made by humans

⇔

fire ✓
The Moon appears to shine because it ______ light from the Sun.

'reflects' ✓
If light reflects off a surface, what does it do?

it hits a surface and is absorbed by it

it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction ✓

it hits a surface and travels through it
Which two items have been grouped incorrectly in the table?

match

fire ✓

window

television

the Moon ✓

Worksheet

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

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

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.

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.