A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks the light.

To cast a shadow is to block light and cause a shadow.

Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.

A light ray is a line with an arrow on it drawn on a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling.

The outline of an object is the main shape or edge of it without any detail.

Shadow shapes investigation

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

the shape of the object blocking the light

Which of these images shows the correct shadow?

Which type of object or material would cast the darkest shadow? 

Which of the following can help us understand shadows?

because light curves around the edges of the object

because the shadow shines out of the object

Why are shadows the same shape as the object blocking the light?  

Which of these diagrams correctly represents how we see light sources?

A {{}} is formed when an object blocks light travelling from a light source.

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? 

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

How does the angle of reflected light compare to the angle of incoming light? 

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Shadow shapes investigation

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.