Starter quiz
- Which of these diagrams correctly represents how we see light sources?
- A ______ is formed when an object blocks light travelling from a light source.
- 'shadow' ✓
- Which of these diagrams correctly represents how we see objects which are not light sources?
- Which shows the features of an object, shadows or reflections?
- 'reflections' ✓
- How can you make a shadow larger?
- increase the distance between the object and the light source
- decrease the distance between the object and the light source ✓
- increase the distance between the object and wall where the shadow is cast
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- How does the angle of reflected light compare to the angle of incoming light?
- it is the same ✓
- it is always larger
- it is always smaller
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Exit quiz
A shadow forms when an object blocks ...- 'light' ✓
- What causes the shape of a shadow?
- the shape of the object blocking the light ✓
- the shape of the light source
- the shape of the surface
- the shape of the reflector
-
- Which of these images shows the correct shadow?
- Which type of object or material would cast the darkest shadow?
- transparent
- translucent
- opaque ✓
-
- Which of the following can help us understand shadows?
- diagrams ✓
- mirrors ✓
- models ✓
- force meters
- torches
-
Why are shadows the same shape as the object blocking the light?- because light curves around the edges of the object
- because light travels in straight lines ✓
- because the shadow shines out of the object
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Video
Lesson Details
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.
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.
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.
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