Light Travels in Straight Lines
Recognise that light appears to travel in straight lines and use this to explain how we see objects and why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them
Share and support
Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
Practise the bounded task in Light Travels in Straight Lines; see exact limits before inferring broader coverage.
Distinguish a light source, opaque object and screen.
Exact directed source edges retained; earlier authorship is not learner attainment.
These supplied stage cards
Scrap paper and pencil; oral/pointing response where appropriate
Read readiness and decide on support without treating prerequisite authoring as learner readiness.
Open Show first and explain its model.
Use Guided Try with support and its separate adult key.
Close Show and guided keys before Try, unless this Try is explicitly supported.
Reflect on an actual attempt, including help used.
Use the supplied screen cards; copying the exact task to paper is optional, not required.
Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.
Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.
Use the complete materials on screen or print only the current sheet. Keep adult guidance out of learner view. Retain an earlier model only when the current step supplies it as context.
Teaching limits and safe use
These are finite task opportunities, not proof of mastery. Record what was attempted and what support was used.
Point-source model only; translucent materials, diffuse sources, penumbra and refraction omitted. Drawing is not a physical demonstration.
Use only invented scenarios and optional anonymous local notes. Do not request names, photos, family finances, medical data, accounts or uploads. Stop uncomfortable physical activity.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
No reviewed resources for this concept yet.
The teaching approach above still stands. Curated practice links will appear here as the shelf fills.
Check understanding
- State and demonstrate that light travels in straight lines (e.g. can't see around corners, laser pointer)
- Use straight-line light to explain why shadows have the same outline shape as the object
- Draw ray diagrams showing light travelling from source, being blocked by object, creating shadow on screen
“Can your child explain why a shadow of a hand looks like a hand shape, using the idea that light travels in straight lines?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 10–11
Standards