Changing the direction of light
I can explain how mirrors are reflective materials that are used to change the direction in which light travels.
Changing the direction of light
I can explain how mirrors are reflective materials that are used to change the direction in which light travels.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- When light is reflected off the surface of an object, it changes direction.
- Scientific diagrams and models can be used to show how light changes direction when it is reflected off surfaces.
- Mirrors are sometimes used to deliberately change the direction of a beam of light.
- A periscope has angled mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.
Common misconception
Light can only reflect off shiny surface; light does not always travel in straight lines when it bounces off a mirror.
Diagrams and investigations will be used to address the misconceptions.
Keywords
Reflected - If light is reflected, it is bounced off a surface.
Direction - Direction is the path that something takes to reach a particular place
Model - A model is used to describe something that can't be experienced directly.
Angle - An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.
Periscope - A periscope is a piece of equipment that uses angled mirrors to enable you to see over walls or around corners.
Equipment
Balls, torches, mirrors, sticky tack, felt tip pens, protractors and large paper.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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).
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