Shadows booklet
Shadows booklet
- Unit 1: Living things
- Unit 2: Sound
- Unit 3: Materials in my world
- Unit 4: The Earth
- Unit 5: Humans
- Unit 6: Forces
This Topic is About...
- I will investigate how light can pass through transparent materials and is blocked by opaque materials.
- I will sort materials into transparent or opaque groups.
- I will learn that shadows form when light from a source is blocked by an object.
- I will collect and record observations in tables, then interpret the results.
- I will make a prediction and see if it is right.
You’re going to be a science explorer!
Key Words
- dissolve
- insoluble
- soluble
- transparent
Tap to Learn the Meanings!
- dissolve: When a solid mixes completely into a liquid so it seems to disappear.
- insoluble: A substance that does not dissolve in a liquid.
- soluble: A substance that can dissolve in a liquid.
- transparent: Something you can see through clearly, like clean glass or water.
Great work! You’re learning key words about solutions and materials.
How are shadows made?
A shadow is made when light is blocked by an opaque object.
Light and opaque materials
Light cannot pass through an opaque material. This means that a dark area is made. This is a shadow.
Colour of shadows
Shadows have no colour. They are always dark.
Details in shadows
Shadows have no details like eyes or a mouth.
Shape and size of shadows
The shadow may not be the same shape and size as the object.
FUN QUESTIONS
1. Does everything have a shadow?
Show answer
2. Mia has two shadows. Why is this?
Show answer
3. If Mia moves, how might the shadows change?
Show answer
Transparent materials
Some materials are not opaque. They let light through. They are transparent. Transparent materials do not make a shadow. We can see things clearly through transparent materials.
FUN QUESTIONS
4. Glass is very good for making windows. Why is this?
Show answer
5. Why do shops use so much glass in their front windows?
Show answer
Be careful with glass. If it breaks it can cut you.
Think like a scientist – Opaque or transparent?
You will need: some different materials, a flashlight
Your task:
- Your teacher will give you some materials.
- Decide if you think each one is opaque or transparent.
- Write your prediction for each material.
- Shine a flashlight on each material. Does the light pass through?
- Record the result of your test for each material.
Suggested results table to draw:
- Column 1 – Material
- Column 2 – My prediction (opaque / transparent)
- Column 3 – Result of the test (opaque / transparent)
- First row example: glass – prediction: transparent – result: transparent
Thinking questions:
- Were your predictions correct?
- Which materials would not make good windows?
- Why would they not make good windows?
How am I doing?
- If you wanted to make a sunshade, would you use an opaque or transparent material?
- Which materials from your test might make a good sunshade?
Tap to see example answers
- Predictions vs results: Glass is transparent, so light passes through and it matches the prediction.
- Poor window materials: Cardboard, wood, thick plastic or metal are opaque so they block light and would not make good windows.
- Good sunshade materials: Opaque materials (e.g. card, fabric, wood) make good sunshades because they stop most of the light.
- Key idea: Transparent materials let light through; opaque materials do not let light through.