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Year 6

Reflected light

I can explain that we see things when light is reflected from an object into the eye.

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New
New
Year 6

Reflected light

I can explain that we see things when light is reflected from an object into the eye.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Reflection involves a source of light and a surface.
  2. Light travels towards a surface and bounces off it.
  3. We often see things because light travels from light sources to objects and then to our eyes.
  4. Scientific diagrams and models can be used to show how we see reflected light.

Common misconception

Light shines out of our eyes; a light ray is a long thin piece of light; light is made of light rays added together; light can only be reflected off shiny surfaces.

Explicit teaching about sources of light, what a light ray is; plenty of demonstrations and practice of drawing diagrams.

Keywords

  • Light source - A light source produces its own light.

  • Reflect - Light is reflected when it hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.

  • Surface - A surface is the top or outer layer of an object.

  • Light ray - A light ray is an arrow drawn on a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling.

Encourage children to think about the journey of light from the source to an object and then into our eyes.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A ball of wool or string and objects from around the room.

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).

Video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
We see things when enters the eye.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: light
Q2.
What is the name given to a simplified drawing of information?
cartoon
instruction
Correct answer: diagram
Q3.
Which of these is a natural light source?
candle
Correct answer: the Sun
the Moon
lamp
Q4.
Match the word with the example.
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer:light source,match

match

Correct Answer:light reflector,the Moon

the Moon

Q5.
In scientific diagrams, how is light shown?
a collection of arrows
Correct answer: a single arrow
a dotted line
a zig-zag line
Q6.
The of the eye is an opening that allows light to enter the eye.
Correct Answer: pupil

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
How do we see light sources when we look directly at them?
An image in a quiz
light from our eyes shines on them
Correct answer: they produce light which enters our eyes
light in the air shines on them
Q2.
What is the name given to the arrow drawn in a diagram to show the direction in which light is travelling?
Correct answer: a light ray
a light beam
a laser beam
Q3.
To light is when light hits a surface and bounces off in another direction.
Correct Answer: reflect
Q4.
How do we see things that are not light sources?
light shines on them from our eyes
Correct answer: light is reflected off them into our eyes
light is reflected off them from our eyes
Q5.
Starting with the one which happens first, order these steps explaining how we see things which are not light sources.
1 - Light travels from a source to an object.
2 - Light is reflected off the surface of the object.
3 - Reflected light travels from the object into our eyes.
Q6.
Which of these diagrams correctly shows how we see the teddy?
1
2
Correct answer: 3

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