Science / Year 5 / Science Understanding / Physical sciences
Content description
Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
Elaborations
  1. drawing simple labelled ray diagrams to show the paths of light from a source to our eyes
  2. comparing shadows from point and extended light sources such as torches and fluorescent tubes
  3. classifying materials as transparent, opaque or translucent based on whether light passes through them or is absorbed
  4. recognising that the colour of an object depends on the properties of the object and the colour of the light source
  5. exploring the use of mirrors to demonstrate the reflection of light
  6. recognising the refraction of light at the surfaces of different transparent materials, such as when light travels from air to water or air to glass

 Lesson 1: Light

​Learning Intention 
  • Review the concept of light including sources and uses of light.
  • Understand the definition of light and how light travels from a source to our eyes
Success Criteria
  • I will create a word cloud of light sources that I know
  • I will know and understand the definition of 'Light' 
  • I can draw labelled ray diagrams to show the path of light from a source to our eyes.

 Light is a form of energy known as electromagnetic radiation.
It helps organisms to survive allowing them to see, gives out energy and provides heat.
Light moves faster than anything else and travels in a straight line.  
​

Some sources of illumination produce light while others reflect light produced by something else (moon or mirror)?

Materials can be classified based on how much light passes through them? (transparent, opaque, translucent) 

TASK 1: In your Science books, write the definitions of the BOLD words above.

Lesson 2: Sources of Light

Learning Intention:
  • Learn how light is reflected into our eyes to enable things to be seen
  • Learn how to draw a ray diagram
  • Investigate how shadows are created
​​Success Criteria
  • describe how objects reflect light into our eyes allowing the objects to be seen
  • draw a ray diagram to demonstrate that light travels in straight lines
  • describe how a shadow is formed by blocking light.

​Sources of light can be divided into two groups:
natural and man made.

The sun is the most important natural source of light. The sun allows us to see during the day.

Stars and lava from volcanoes also produce their own light. Some animals can produce their own light, such as fireflies and some glowing jellyfish.

Humans have created other sources of light. Light bulbs help us see in dark areas. Before light bulbs were invented, people used candles to provide light.

Laser beams are another source of light. 

Task 1: Use the light source brainstorm you created in the last lesson to make a list of Manmade and Natural Light sources.

Task 2: Create annotated drawings to demonstrate how we see:
-a tree (during the day)
- each other in a room
-the moon

classifying materials as transparent, opaque or translucent based on whether light passes through them or is absorbed

Lesson 3: Passing Through

TASK 1:
Complete the Primary Connections handout 'Passing Through', investigating whether or not you can see light through various materials.

TASK 2: Use the information from Task 1, to complete the, Primary Connections,  'I Can See the Light' handout, identifying which materials are opaque, transparent and translucent.

TASK 3: (Extension) Using IPADs

Slide 1: Create a Keynote Presentation titled 'LIGHT'
Slide 2 :Write the definition of LIGHT and add pictures of light sources
Slide 3: Definition of 'Opaque' and take photos of materials in the classroom that fit this definition
Slide 4: Definition of 'Translucent' and take photos of materials in the classroom that fit this definition
Slide 5: Definition of 'Transparent' and take photos of materials in the classroom that fit this definition

Lesson 4: SHADOWS
You will be working in pairs to complete the SHADOW INVESTIGATION.

When you have completed your investigation answer this question in your Science books.

How are shadows formed?