We need light to see. Light comes from light sources like the Sun, torches and lamps, and bounces off things into our eyes. When something blocks light, it makes a shadow.
What your child will learn
- Name light sources and know that the Moon is not one
- Explain how shadows are formed
- Describe how shadows change size and position
- Sort materials into transparent, translucent and opaque
Making shadows
Light travels in straight lines. When an opaque object blocks it, a dark shape — a shadow — appears behind it. Move the object closer to the light and the shadow grows. Outside, shadows are longest in the morning and evening and shortest at midday, when the Sun is high.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. What reflects light very well?
🪞- A tree trunk
- A black sock
- A brick
- A mirror
Show answer
Answer: A mirror. Smooth, shiny mirrors reflect light.
2. Which material lets light through so you can see clearly?
- Cardboard
- Clear glass
- Wood
- Metal
Show answer
Answer: Clear glass. Clear glass is transparent.
3. We need light to…
👀- taste
- smell
- hear
- see
Show answer
Answer: see. Without light, our eyes can’t see anything.
Tips for grown-ups
- Make shadow puppets with a torch and your hands.
- Draw round your shadow in chalk in the morning and again at lunchtime.
- Never look directly at the Sun, even with sunglasses.