New
New
Year 6

Multiple shadows

I can investigate the number of shadows that can be cast by an object.

New
New
Year 6

Multiple shadows

I can investigate the number of shadows that can be cast by an object.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Humans have used light sources to make their lives easier since ancient times.
  2. Scientists and engineers invent and design ways for us to use light to achieve different effects.
  3. When more than one light is used, more than one shadow can be cast by one object.
  4. Scientists gather evidence to answer questions and support their ideas.

Common misconception

One object can only cast one shadow.

Children will investigate how the number of light sources affects the number of shadows cast by an object.

Keywords

  • 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.

Use practical investigation and personal experience to help children to understand how the number of shadows cast by an object depends on the number of light sources.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Torches and objects with which to make shadows.

Content guidance

  • Equipment requiring safe usage.

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Video

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these are light sources?
Correct answer: candles
high-vis clothing
the Moon
mirrors
Q2.
Which is the correct pair of column headings for the table?
An image in a quiz
A – light sources and B – light reflectors
A – human-made light source and B – natural light source
Correct answer: A – natural light source and B – human-made light source
Q3.
What is the name of the part of the eye into which light is reflected to allow us to see?
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: pupil, the pupil
Q4.
A shadow is on the opposite side of an object where the light source cannot shine.
Correct Answer: cast, seen
Q5.
Which of these diagrams shows the correct position of the light source?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q6.
How do we see other people?
light shines on them from our eyes
Correct answer: light is reflected off them into our eyes
light is reflected off them from our eyes
they produce light which shines into our eyes

6 Questions

Q1.
How long have humans been creating and using light sources?
An image in a quiz
since the year 2000
since Queen Victoria’s reign
Correct answer: since ancient times
since the 1900s
Q2.
Which career is most likely to involve inventing and designing new ways for us to use light?
An image in a quiz
mechanics
doctors
Correct answer: engineers
lawyers
Q3.
What was the earliest light source controlled by humans?
the Sun
Correct answer: fire
the Moon
light bulbs
candles
Q4.
When more than one light is used, more than one can be cast by one object.
Correct Answer: shadow
Q5.
Which image shows the correct number of shadows?
An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: An image in a quiz
An image in a quiz
Q6.
What is evidence?
information which shows how to set up an investigation
information about how lights work
Correct answer: information which helps us to prove that something is true or not
information about what equipment to use in an investigation

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