this word has two meanings: 1. the process of light 'bouncing off' a surface, 2. an image seen in a mirror

describes an image that has been 'flipped' horizontally (as occurs in mirror images)

Reflections in mirrors

Science

In the Making images unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that white light is made of different colours that can be detected by the eye, and how pinhole cameras and lenses form clear images.

In the Light and how it travels (Y6) unit, pupils learnt that light travels in straight lines, which explains why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them, and objects are seen by the light that reflects back into the eye or travels directly into it from a light source.

This unit explores sound and light waves, including frequencies, echoes, reflection, absorption, and the need for a medium for sound to travel. It also compares light and matter waves, investigates light transmission and colour, and examines wave properties and effects.

Sound, light and vision

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

From the eye to the mirror, then to the nose.

From the nose to the mirror, then to the eye.

From the nose to behind the mirror, then to the eye.

From the eye to behind the mirror, then to the nose.

A person stands in front of a mirror. Which of the following describes the path that light takes so that the person can see their nose in the mirror?

A child holds a toy and looks into a mirror. In the mirror, they can see __________ of the toy.

The process of light bouncing off a surface.

Which of the following are definitions of the word ‘reflection’?

Which of the following terms describe how images in mirrors appear compared to the object?

A child holds a marble in front of a mirror, 10 cm away from the mirror. The child sees the marble in the mirror. How far apart do the real marble and the image of the marble in the mirror seem to be?

You see the real candle behind the glass, with a real flame.

You see the real candle behind the glass, but an image of a flame.

You see an image of the candle behind the glass, but the real flame.

You see an image of the candle behind the glass, with an image of a flame.

The photo shows two candles with a sheet of glass between them. The nearer candle is lit. The candle behind the glass seems to be burning, even though it is not. Which of the following explains why?

The first law of reflection states that when light reflects, the angle of reflection is always equal to the angle of {{}}.

When a light ray reflects, the two rays and the normal are all in the same __________.

The diagram shows the reflection of a light ray. What is the name of the imaginary line, drawn as a dashed line?

The diagrams show a light ray reflecting from a mirror. In which diagram is the angle of reflection marked?

The ray box produces a single ray of light.

The ray box produces a single beam of light.

The pupil can measure angles to the nearest degree.

The pupil can measure angles to the nearest tenth of a degree.

A pupil uses a ray box and a mirror to investigate reflection. To measure angles, they use a protractor with markings that are 1° apart. Which of the following statements are correct?

The angle of reflection equals angle of incidence.

The angle of reflection does not equal angle of incidence.

The angle of reflection is not related to angle of incidence.

The angle of reflection sometimes equals angle of incidence.

A pupil investigates the angles of reflection for different angles of incidence when light reflects off a mirror. The table shows the results. Which of the following conclusions is correct?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

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

Reflections in mirrors

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

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