Shadow size: plan
I can make a plan to investigate how the size of shadows can change.
Shadow size: plan
I can make a plan to investigate how the size of shadows can change.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an object.
- The size of a shadow changes depending on the distance of an object from the light source.
- Scientists ask questions and then plan how to carry out the right type of investigation to find answers.
- A fair test investigation is when only one thing is changed and another is measured. All other things are kept the same.
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.
Object - An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
Distance - Distance is how far away something is or how far an object has travelled.
Common misconception
The size of a shadow does not change.
Explanation of how the size of shadows can be changed.
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Shadow size: plan, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 3 science lesson on: Shadow size: plan, 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, variety of objects to make shadows, e.g. book, pencil, ruler.
Content guidance
- Exploration of objects
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
