Use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why…
Use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them. Taught in lesson 1, at a K–2 level.
The National curriculum in England: science programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3 outcome (Light) for Year 6 says: “Use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them. Taught in lesson 1, at a K–2 level.” This Fieldbook unit teaches it hands-on, with everyday materials and a printable teacher guide and student sheet for every lesson. Official wording: National curriculum in England: science programmes of study, Key Stages 1–3.
Light and Shadows Grades K–2
Why does my shadow follow me, and why is it so long in the morning? Young scientists chase their shadows, track the Sun across the day and test which things let light through.
- Why does my shadow follow me? 30–40 min
Children go outside on a sunny day and try everything to escape their shadow: running, jumping, spinning and hiding in the shade. They find out that a shadow is the dark shape where their body blocks the sunlight, so it has to go wherever they go.
- Why is my shadow long in the morning? About 40 min in total, split across one sunny day: 15 min in the morning, two 4 min visits outside, and 15 min at the end of the day
Pairs stand a bottle on a chalk X and trace its shadow three times in one sunny day, measuring each shadow with a piece of yarn. Back inside, a flashlight held low and then high shows them why shadows are long when the Sun is low in the sky and short when it is high.
- What can light go through? 35–40 min
Pairs shine a flashlight through everyday materials, from plastic wrap and wax paper to foil and cardboard, and sort them into 'lots of light', 'a little light' and 'no light'. Then they use what they found to choose the right material for a window, a lamp shade and a curtain for a sleepy bear.
Printable practice for this outcome
These pages practise a closely related idea; the match to this outcome is partial.
- Light and Shadows workbook included with the unit
3 practice pages, 3 readings, 2 English-support pages, 1 word wall, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Earth and Sky at Home workbook included with the unit
1 word wall, 1 English-support page, 1 practice page, 1 reading, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Bouncing Light: Mirrors, Water and Colour workbook included with the unit
2 English-support pages, 2 practice pages, 2 readings, 1 unit review, 1 unit test, with answer keys.
- Grade 4 Light and Colour printable pack
3 readings, 2 practice pages, 1 activity, 1 assessment, with answer keys. Free sample.
Need just this outcome? Build a custom pack from these pages, with its answer key, in about a minute. Custom packs come with All-access and school licences.
Compared with NGSS: 1-PS4-3 (partial).
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