Reflected light: plan

I can plan how to compare different materials based on how reflective they are.

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Year 3

Reflected light: plan

I can plan how to compare different materials based on how reflective they are.

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Share activities with pupils

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Lesson details

Key learning points

Reflection involves a source of light and a surface.
Light reflected from a surface is called reflected light.
Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
Light is measured in lux (lx) and can be recorded using a data logger.

Common misconception

Only mirrors and very shiny materials reflect light.

Explanation that lots of different materials reflect different amounts of light.

Keywords

Reflect - To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces back.
Reflective - A mirror is a reflective surface. Mirrors reflect a lot of light.
Surface - The surface is the top or outside layer of something.
Data logger - Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
Lux - Lux is a unit that is used for measuring the amount of light falling on a surface.

Free light sensors can be downloaded as apps onto tablets to use in Task B. If this is not possible, ask the children to rate each material out of 5 where 0/5= does not appear to reflect any light and 5/5= appears to reflect a lot of light.

Teacher tip

Equipment

Rulers, data loggers, torches, materials- white card, black card, foil, baking paper, plastic bag, cotton fabric, mirror, laminated paper.

Content guidance

Exploration of objects

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).