Making shadows
I can explain how shadows are formed.
Making shadows
I can explain how shadows are formed.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When light falls on some objects, a dark shape is formed on the other side of the object.
- A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks light.
- Opaque objects do not allow light to travel through them.
- A shadow does not show the features of an object.
- The shape of a shadow depends on the shape of the object blocking the light.
Keywords
Shadow - A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks light.
Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.
Opaque - Light cannot pass through objects that are opaque.
Common misconception
Shadows contain details of the object, such as facial features of a human’s shadow. Also that a shadow can be a different shape to the object, and formed in between the light source and the object.
Explanation of how shadows are formed.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Making shadows, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Making shadows, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 science lessons from the Introduction to light and shadows unit, dive into the full secondary science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Torches and other light sources, paper or cardboard, scissors, tape, pencils or lolly sticks, a range of objects made from transparent, translucent and opaque materials for testing.
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
