Year Three: Light, Shadows & Reflections (Free)

This investigation emphasizes the necessity of light for visibility, guiding children to understand how light interacts with objects. The main thesis revolves around hands-on learning through practical activities that illustrate the principles of light and darkness.

The activity focuses on teaching children about the importance of light in identifying objects. It begins with a game of I-Spy to engage children in observing their surroundings and understanding how light enables sight. The investigation involves using a cardboard box with holes to explore how light affects visibility. Children predict what they will see inside the box and learn that without light, objects remain unseen. As they shine a torch through the holes, they gradually discover the outlines and colours of the objects. The activity encourages systematic observations and recording findings using simple scientific language. Discussions throughout the activity help reinforce concepts such as the source of light and the absence of light in darkness. The conclusion emphasizes that darkness is simply the absence of light, and the more holes made, the clearer the objects become.

This investigation allows children to explore the formation of shadows by examining various objects made from different materials. The hands-on approach encourages systematic observation and classification of objects based on their properties related to light.

In this investigation, children will learn how shadows are formed by blocking light from a source. They will use a variety of objects, categorized as opaque, translucent, and transparent, to explore which types create shadows. The activity involves making predictions, conducting experiments with a light source, and recording observations on a provided investigation sheet. Key vocabulary includes shadow, transparent, translucent, and opaque. The investigation encourages children to ask questions about shadow formation and to sort objects based on their properties. By the end of the activity, children will understand that opaque objects block light and create solid shadows, while translucent objects create faint shadows, and transparent objects do not create shadows at all.

This investigation aims to teach children about the relationship between the distance of a light source and the size of a shadow through hands-on experimentation. The author employs a practical approach, encouraging children to make predictions, conduct measurements, and analyse their findings to draw conclusions about shadow formation.

The Shadow Size Investigation is an educational activity designed for children to explore how shadows change size based on the distance of a light source. It begins with a discussion on how shadows are formed and whether their shape and size remain constant. Children are encouraged to make predictions about shadow size changes as the light source moves away from an object. The investigation involves setting up a simple experiment using a torch, measuring tape, and an interesting object to observe shadow sizes. Children will record their measurements in a table and graph, allowing them to visualize patterns in their data. The activity emphasizes the importance of fair testing and accurate measurement, guiding children to mark shadow sizes and analyse their results. Ultimately, the investigation concludes that shadows are larger when the light source is closer and smaller when it is further away, illustrating the concept of light blockage by solid objects.

This activity engages children in understanding the relationship between the sun's position and shadow length through hands-on experimentation. By creating a sundial, children learn to observe, measure, and analyse the changes in shadow size throughout the day.

The Sundial Investigation is an educational activity designed for children to explore how the position of the sun affects shadow size. It involves creating a sundial using simple materials like paper, plasticine, and a pencil. Children will make measurements of the shadow cast by the pencil at different times of the day, recording their findings in a table and graph. The activity encourages children to ask relevant scientific questions and conduct practical inquiries. They will learn to make systematic observations and take accurate measurements using standard units. The investigation sheet helps in gathering, recording, and presenting data effectively. Key concepts include understanding that shadows are formed when light is blocked by an object and recognizing patterns in shadow length changes. The activity also emphasizes the importance of safety when observing sunlight. By the end of the investigation, children will conclude how the sun's position influences shadow length, noting that shadows are longer when the sun is lower and shorter when it is higher in the sky.

This content provides a hands-on educational activity for children to explore the concept of shadows through art. It emphasizes the relationship between light, solid objects, and the formation of shadows while encouraging creativity and experimentation.

The activity outlined in the content aims to teach children about shadows by engaging them in a creative drawing exercise. It requires basic materials such as white and coloured paper, a light source, and interesting shaped objects. The process begins with an explanation of how shadows are formed when light is blocked by solid objects. Children are encouraged to choose objects to create shadows and draw around them on white paper. The activity allows for experimentation with different positions of the objects to observe changes in shadow size and shape. After completing their artwork, children reflect on their experience by discussing how they created the shadow and its resemblance to the object. This hands-on approach not only fosters artistic skills but also reinforces scientific concepts related to light and shadows.

This activity encourages children to creatively explore the concept of shadows while developing storytelling skills. By making shadow puppets and a theatre, children learn about light, shapes, and narrative structure in an engaging way.

The activity involves creating shadow puppets and a theatre using a cardboard box, scissors, white tissue paper, tape, and a lamp or torch. Children will design a theatre by cutting a square shape on the front of the box, which should be done by an adult. They can paint the box if desired and then tape the tissue paper inside to cover the cut-out window. By placing a lamp behind the theatre, children can experiment with shadows created by blocking the light source. The activity encourages discussions about how shadows are formed and their size changes based on distance from the light. Children can draw and cut out shapes or characters on card, attaching them to craft sticks for movement. They will then develop a short story to perform in the shadow theatre, with prompts to discuss their creations and narratives. Filming the puppet show is suggested for further engagement.

The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of hands-on activities to help children understand the concepts of light and reflection through engaging games. It presents a structured approach to learning by incorporating various activities that encourage exploration and discussion about reflections in mirrors.

This educational content provides a series of interactive activities designed to teach children about light and reflections using mirrors. The activities include a Reflection Hunt, where children identify objects that reflect light, and an I Spy game that encourages them to use mirrors to see objects behind them. The Shape Reflections activity allows children to colour shapes and observe their reflections, while the Mirror Maze activity challenges them to navigate a maze using only the reflection in a mirror. Each activity is accompanied by discussions that prompt children to think critically about the properties of the objects they are observing, such as transparency and smoothness. The content aims to foster a deeper understanding of scientific concepts through play and exploration.

The lesson plan emphasizes the importance of teaching children about the use of light in art through hands-on activities that encourage creativity and observation. It aims to enhance children's understanding of artistic techniques while allowing them to express themselves through their own artwork.

This educational content focuses on engaging children in art by exploring how light is used in various artworks. It includes a structured activity where children observe and discuss different artists' techniques in portraying light, shadows, and reflections. The activity involves creating their own artwork that reflects an image in water, using washable felt-tip pens and water spray. Key discussion points include analysing the use of light and colour in paintings, as well as the source of light depicted. The process encourages children to fold paper, draw, and then create a reflection by spraying water on their artwork. The content also highlights the importance of reflection and discussion about the completed artwork, fostering critical thinking and self-assessment in young artists. Overall, it aims to improve mastery of art and design techniques while making learning interactive and enjoyable.

This activity engages children in exploring the mixing of colours through light, enhancing their understanding of colour theory and scientific inquiry. By combining practical experimentation with creative expression, it fosters both artistic skills and scientific reasoning in a fun and interactive way.

This hands-on activity allows children to investigate colour mixing using light, specifically through the combination of three primary colours: red, blue, and yellow. The first part involves shining torches through jars filled with coloured water to observe the resulting colours on a white background. Children can mix colours by using multiple torches, creating new colours such as purple. The second part of the activity encourages creativity as children make a colourful lantern using tissue paper and a glass jar. They can overlap different colours of tissue paper to see how they affect the light that shines through. The activity also includes discussions about how colours are created and the properties of transparent and translucent materials. Overall, it combines scientific inquiry with artistic expression, making learning engaging and enjoyable.