How Shadows Form
Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes
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Teaching Table
Set out your lesson
Explain a shadow using light, a blocker and a receiving surface.
Ask the learner to explain one prerequisite idea before starting. If uncertain, revisit it; graph order is not learner readiness.
Check readiness rather than assuming source graph order establishes attainment.
Optional small LED torch, opaque card and wall. Never point light at eyes or use the Sun. Keep lamp and screen fixed while moving the card.
Use the supplied stage cards on screen or scrap paper; adult key stays separate.
Materials are ready in each step. Use them on screen or print just the current step. Put teaching examples aside before the learner tries.
What this lesson covers and its limits
These are bounded opportunities, not learner attainment. Partial and blocked source requirements remain so.
- partial: Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes
Bounded objective: Explain a shadow using light, a blocker and a receiving surface. Point-source approximation and fixed screen only; real test conditional. No universal sharp-shadow claim for all sources.
- partial: Explain that a shadow forms because an opaque object blocks light from reaching a surface
Blocking light explained with actual ray schematic.
- partial: Describe the pattern: shadow gets larger when object moves closer to the light source
Fixed-source/screen condition controls size prediction.
- partial: Predict the shape and relative size of a shadow given the position of light and object
New blocker position predicted; transparent comparison qualified.
- partial: Can {{name}} make shadow puppets and explain why the shadow gets bigger when you move the puppet closer to the torch?
Try offers new-position-prediction for the bounded objective; it does not establish every part of the source assessment. Point-source approximation and fixed screen only; real test conditional. No universal sharp-shadow claim for all sources.
Point-source approximation and fixed screen only; real test conditional. No universal sharp-shadow claim for all sources.
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Explain a shadow using light, a blocker and a receiving surface.
Explain a shadow using light, a blocker and a receiving surface.
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Learning resources
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Check understanding
- Explain that a shadow forms because an opaque object blocks light from reaching a surface
- Describe the pattern: shadow gets larger when object moves closer to the light source
- Predict the shape and relative size of a shadow given the position of light and object
“Can your child make shadow puppets and explain why the shadow gets bigger when you move the puppet closer to the torch?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 7–8
Standards