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Year 3 - Science

Shadow size: 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 make a plan to investigate how the size of shadows can change.

Key Notes

  • Shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an object.
  • The size of a shadow changes depending on the distance of an object from the light source.
  • Scientists ask questions and then plan how to carry out the right type of investigation to find answers.
  • A fair test investigation is when only one thing is changed and another is measured. All other things are kept the same.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • shadow: A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks a source of light.
  • light source: Something that is a light source produces its own light.
  • object: An object is something you can touch but something that is not usually a living thing.
  • distance: Distance is how far away something is or how far an object has travelled.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The size of a shadow does not change.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an object. The size of a shadow changes depending on the distance of an object from the light source.

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

A shadow is a dark shape that is formed when an object blocks a source of light. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: The size of a shadow does not change. Correction: Explanation of how the size of shadows can be changed.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 Science guide library.