If light is reflected it is bounced off a surface.

An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.

A protractor is a piece of equipment used to measure and draw angles.

The results of a test or enquiry is what happened or what was found out.

Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true.

Measuring reflected light: do and review

Science

In the Light and how it travels unit, pupils learn that light travels in straight lines and how objects are seen. In the Sound, light and vision unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn more about how light is reflected off mirrors, and how the eye can see objects by the light they reflect

In the Introduction to Light and shadows unit, pupils learnt that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object. In this Light and how it travels unit,  pupils will build on this knowledge to use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them

This unit explores how light travels in straight lines, explaining how we see objects and why shadows form the shape of the object casting them. It focuses on planning scientific enquiries, taking precise measurements, making predictions, and evaluating evidence to present findings.

Light and how it travels

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

Mirrors, metal spoons and kitchen foil are made from highly {{}} materials.

Because they are highly reflective, mirrors are used to...

Reflected light bounces off surfaces at the same {{}} as it hits them.

If light hits a mirror at an angle of 30° against the normal line, what will the angle of the reflected light be? 

Which of these images shows the correct angle of the reflected light?

If an angle is 80°, which of these numbers would be acceptable as the correct measurement using a protractor? 

What is the name of the equipment shown in the image? 

Mirrors are highly reflective and are sometimes used to deliberately {{}} the direction that light travels.

What units are used to describe the size of angles? 

change the angle the light hits the surface

How could you change the angle of reflected light? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

Introduction

What will you need for this lesson?

Are you ready to learn?

Equipment

Content guidance

Supervision

Worksheet