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Year 3 - Science

Reflected light: plan

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 plan how to compare different materials based on how reflective they are.

Key Notes

  • Reflection involves a source of light and a surface.
  • Light reflected from a surface is called reflected light.
  • Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
  • Light is measured in lux (lx) and can be recorded using a data logger.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • reflect: To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces back.
  • reflective: A mirror is a reflective surface. Mirrors reflect a lot of light.
  • surface: The surface is the top or outside layer of something.
  • data logger: Data loggers are electronic devices which monitor and record changes in the environment over time.
  • lux: Lux is the unit used to measure the brightness of light.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Only mirrors and very shiny materials reflect light.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Reflection involves a source of light and a surface. Light reflected from a surface is called reflected light.

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

To reflect light is when light hits a surface and bounces back. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Only mirrors and very shiny materials reflect light. Correction: Explanation that lots of different materials reflect different amounts of light.

More Lessons In This Unit

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