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Year 3 - Science

Light pollution (non-statutory Climate Change & Sustainability)

Introduction to light and shadows

Unit Summary

This unit explores the nature of light, recognising that light is needed to see and that dark is the absence of light. It covers how light reflects and shadow formation. The unit emphasises practical tests, observations, accurate measuring, and using evidence to support findings.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what light pollution is and how it can affect living things.

Key Notes

  • Light pollution is the presence of too much or unnecessary light made by humans.
  • Light pollution can disrupt human sleep and wildlife patterns.
  • Urban areas with greater populations create more light pollution.
  • Some rural areas in the UK are named 'Dark Sky' sites, where their light pollution is low.
  • Some organisations are campaigning to tackle light pollution and improve the night sky for people and wildlife.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • light pollution: Light pollution is unwanted human-made light that has a negative effect on the environment.
  • urban: An urban area is an area where many people live and work close together such as a city or town.
  • rural: Rural areas are found in the countryside. They are areas with fewer people and homes.
  • population: The population of a place is all of the people living there.
  • campaign: A campaign is a planned set of activities that people carry out in order to achieve something.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may not know that light pollution exists nor its impact on humans and other living things.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

Light pollution is the presence of too much or unnecessary light made by humans. Light pollution can disrupt human sleep and wildlife patterns.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'light pollution'

Light pollution is unwanted human-made light that has a negative effect on the environment. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Pupils may not know that light pollution exists nor its impact on humans and other living things. Correction: An explanation of light pollution and its potential negative effects on humans and other living things.

More Lessons In This Unit

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