New
New
Year 3

Shadow size: do

I can measure and record information about shadow size.

New
New
Year 3

Shadow size: do

I can measure and record information about shadow size.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The size of a shadow changes depending on the distance of an object from the light source.
  2. Height and distance can be measured using a ruler or tape measure.
  3. The results of an investigation can be recorded in a table.
  4. A table of results needs headings for each column. This helps other people to understand the information.

Keywords

  • Shadow - A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks a source of light.

  • Light source - Something that is a light source produces its own light.

  • Distance - Distance is how far away something is or how far an object has travelled.

  • Measure - To measure is to use equipment to find numbers to describe a feature of something such as its length, weight, size or time.

  • Table - A table is a grid in which information can be recorded and stored.

Common misconception

The size of a shadow does not change.

Explanation of how the size of shadows change depending on the distance of the object from the light source.

This lesson follows on from Shadow size: plan. Pupils can use their own plans or Izzy and Jacob's ideas to investigate how the distance between an object and a light source affects the size of a shadow. Working in front of a wall will make it easier for pupils to measure shadows accurately.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Torches or lamps, opaque objects, rulers, tape measures.

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).

Lesson video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Shadows are formed when ...
An image in a quiz
light passes through an object.
there is no light.
Correct answer: light is blocked by an object.
Q2.
Which of these is not a light source?
a torch
Correct answer: kitchen foil
a lamp
Q3.
True or false? The size of a shadow changes depending on the size of the light source.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: false, False
Q4.
The distance between an object and a light source changes ...
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: the size of a shadow.
the colour of a shadow.
the shape of a shadow.
Q5.
How can scientists find the answers to questions?
An image in a quiz
by asking questions
by sorting objects into groups
Correct answer: by planning and carrying out an investigation
Q6.
What do we call an investigation where only one thing is changed to find its effect on another thing that is measured, and all other things are kept the same?
An image in a quiz
grouping
researching
Correct answer: fair test
Q3 Amy Johansson/Shutterstock

6 Questions

Q1.
Which kind of material produces the darkest shadows?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: The darkest shadows are formed when an opaque object blocks the light.
The darkest shadows are formed when a translucent object blocks the light.
The darkest shadows are formed when a transparent object blocks the light.
Q2.
Which statement is true?
An image in a quiz
Shadows do not change size.
Shadows change size if the light source is changed.
Correct answer: Shadows change size if an object is moved further away from a light source.
Q3.
Which of these can be used to measure the size of a shadow?
a stopwatch
Correct answer: a ruler
a measuring jug
Q4.
What is distance?
An image in a quiz
Correct answer: How far away something is.
How heavy something is.
How bright something is.
Q5.
What do scientists use to record the results of an investigation?
An image in a quiz
a plan
a chair
Correct answer: a table
Q6.
Why do scientists put a heading at the top of each column in a table?
An image in a quiz
to practice spelling useful words
to make the table look good
Correct answer: to help people understand the information

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