Science / Year 5 / Science Understanding / Physical sciences

Curriculum content descriptions

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted (ACSSU080)

Elaborations
  • drawing simple labelled ray diagrams to show the paths of light from a source to our eyes
  • comparing shadows from point and extended light sources such as torches and fluorescent tubes
  • classifying materials as transparent, opaque or translucent based on whether light passes through them or is absorbed
  • recognising that the colour of an object depends on the properties of the object and the colour of the light source
  • exploring the use of mirrors to demonstrate the reflection of light
  • recognising the refraction of light at the surfaces of different transparent materials, such as when light travels from air to water or air to glass
ScOT terms

Light,  Waves (Energy)

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Mirror reversal

This activity invites students to explore the directions that mirrors reflect images. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Modelling the Seasons

This resource provides a scaffold for students to undertake a simple experiment. Students use a world globe and a heat lamp to investigate how the tilt of the Earth’s axis causes the seasons.

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Hologram poetry lesson

In this lesson, students are asked to present a poem as a visual illusion. They explore holograms and visual illusions, and then delve into the mechanics of poetry construction by exploring the poetry of Banjo Paterson. They write their own poem or recite a poem and create a hologram illusion of themselves reciting a poem. ...

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Shadows

This activity invites students to explore the phenomena of shadows and investigate the question, 'How can you change shadows?' Students work with shadow phenomena outdoors, indoors, or both to figure out how to change the size, shape, and position of a shadow. The activity is designed for use at home or in a classroom and ...

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Corner Reflector

This activity invites students to use two hinged mirrors create a kaleidoscope that shows multiple images of an object. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further ...

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Outdoor Shadows

This activity invites students to explore how outside shadows changes over time and relate this to the movement of the Sun and Earth. Students are asked to go outside and trace an outline of their shadow, wait a while, try again, and observe and record how their shadow has changed. The activity includes a list of tools ...

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Critical angle

This activity invites students to explore how light is reflected from the underside of a water surface. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.

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Personal Pinhole Theater

This activity invites students to build a pinhole camera using a large cardboard box and simple materials. The activity includes a list of tools and materials required, assembly instructions, what to do and notice, an explanation for the underlying science of what students observe and suggestions for further activities.