Clear, translucent or opaque
Materials like wood, brick, or cardboard block all light — they are opaque. Clear materials let light pass through so you can see through them.
See worked examples
A Ana sees through the window to see outside. What kind is this window?
- Clear (right)
- Broken
- Translucent
Leo uses a flashlight to look at a plastic bottle. The light goes through and shows the inside. What kind is the bottle?
- Colored
- Clear (right)
- Opaque
Ana wonders: A clear plastic cup lets sunlight pass, but a thick cardboard block does not. What kind of material is the cardboard?
- Clear
- Shiny
- Opaque (right)
Tip: Materials like wood, brick, or cardboard block all light — they are opaque. Clear materials let light pass through so you can see through them.
Print a worksheet of this skill New questions and an answer key, free.
Up next
- Next in this topic Shadows form Grade 1
- Need a warm-up? Sun warms the ground Grade R
Learn it hands-on
- Earth and Sky at Home Grades K–5 · printable lessons
- Bouncing Light: Mirrors, Water and Colour Grades 3–5 · printable lessons
- Light and Shadows Grades K–2 · printable lessons
Practise without limits
Members practise as much as they like, every day, and get the printable packs and lessons too.