Year 6 - Science
Multiple shadows
Light and how it travels
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores how light travels in straight lines, explaining how we see objects and why shadows form the shape of the object casting them. It focuses on planning scientific enquiries, taking precise measurements, making predictions, and evaluating evidence to present findings.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to investigate the number of shadows that can be cast by an object.
Key Notes
- Humans have used light sources to make their lives easier since ancient times.
- Scientists and engineers invent and design ways for us to use light to achieve different effects.
- When more than one light is used, more than one shadow can be cast by one object.
- Scientists gather evidence to answer questions and support their ideas.
Vocabulary To Learn
- light source: Something that is a light source produces its own light.
- fire: To get a fire going, you need fuel, air and heat.
- torch: A torch is a handheld light and can be powered by batteries or can have a burning flame.
- cast: To cast a shadow is to block light and cause a shadow.
- evidence: Evidence is information which helps us to prove that something is true or not true.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- One object can only cast one shadow.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Humans have used light sources to make their lives easier since ancient times. Scientists and engineers invent and design ways for us to use light to achieve different effects.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'light source'
Something that is a light source produces its own light. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: One object can only cast one shadow. Correction: Children will investigate how the number of light sources affects the number of shadows cast by an object.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Changing the direction of light Study Guide
- How light travels Study Guide
- How shadows form Study Guide
- Light enters our eyes Study Guide
- Light sources and light reflectors (non-statutory) Study Guide
- Measuring reflected light: do and review Study Guide
- Measuring reflected light: plan Study Guide
- Reflected light Study Guide
- Shadow shapes investigation Study Guide
- The position of shadows (non-statutory) Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 6 Science guide library.