How Shadows Form

CONCEPTUAL

Science›Waves, Light & Sound|Ages 7—8|ID: mt_Oru08pKlxd

Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes

Mastery Evidence

Explain that a shadow forms because an opaque object blocks light from reaching a surface
Describe the pattern: shadow gets larger when object moves closer to the light source
Predict the shape and relative size of a shadow given the position of light and object

“Can [child] make shadow puppets and explain why the shadow gets bigger when you move the puppet closer to the torch?”

Y3.Sci.L.4The national curriculum in England

Formation of shadows

recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object

Science · Key Stage 2

Y3.Sci.L.5The national curriculum in England

Patterns in shadow size

find patterns in the way that the size of shadows change

Science · Key Stage 2

Show full prerequisite tree

Light & Seeing in the Dark hard
Must know light sources before understanding shadow patterns
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
  Observing that objects need illumination to be seen requires the 'light source' vocabulary
Transparent, Translucent & Opaque hard
Must understand opaque materials block light before understanding shadow formation
- Light & Seeing in the Dark hard
  Must understand light sources illuminate objects before testing how materials interact with light
  - Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
    Observing that objects need illumination to be seen requires the 'light source' vocabulary
- Describing Material Properties soft
  Material properties knowledge (transparent/opaque) supports light investigation
  - States of Matter Vocabulary soft
    Describing physical properties of materials uses solid/liquid/gas vocabulary introduced in the states of matter LANGUAGE node
  - Naming Everyday Materials hard
    Must name materials before describing their properties
    - Objects vs Materials hard
      Must distinguish objects from materials before naming specific materials
- Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
  Investigating transparent, translucent, and opaque materials requires those three terms
Light & Sound Vocabulary hard
Explaining shadow formation requires 'opaque' and 'light source' vocabulary