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Science lesson plan · 3rd grade (Year 4 in England) · 30 minutes

Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials

Light, sound and waves

CCSS NGSS.1-PS4-3England: KS2 Y3 Light

Objective and success criteria

Students will: Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials.

  • I can answer questions on today's skill on my own, without help.
  • I can explain each step and say why it works.
  • I can check my answer and spot a mistake.

Before and after

Needs first: Light sources and seeing

Leads to: the next skill in this area.

Materials: Slinky or rope, Mirrors and torches, Mini whiteboards, A diagram or short video clip of the idea, Printed student sheet (below).

Warm-up · 4 min

  • Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Light sources and seeing). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
  • Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.
  1. Is a candle flame a light source? (light source / not a light source (reflects light)) → light sourcePrompt: Does it make its own light, or does light bounce off it?
  2. Why can't you see anything in a completely dark room? (Objects disappear in the dark / Darkness blocks your eyes / Your eyes are closed / There is no light to reflect into your eyes) → There is no light to reflect into your eyesPrompt: Seeing needs light.
  3. Light: which statement is NOT true? (A mirror is a light source. / Light travels in straight lines. / The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight. / We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes.) → A mirror is a light source.Prompt: Does the Moon make its own light?

Hook · 3 min

  • Ask the class to make a wave with a rope or slinky and describe what moves and what doesn't.
  • Share the objective: Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials. Read the success criteria together.

I do: model it · 7 min

  • Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
  • Example: Is a thin cotton sheet transparent, translucent or opaque?
  • Step 1: Translucent materials let some light through, but you cannot see clearly through them.
  • Step 2: So the answer is: translucent
  • Answer: translucent
  • Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

We do: guided practice · 6 min

  • Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
  • Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.
  1. Is tracing paper transparent, translucent or opaque? (transparent / translucent / opaque) → translucentPrompt: Can you see clearly through it, see a blur, or see nothing at all?
  2. How is a shadow made? (An opaque object blocks light / A mirror reflects black light / Light bends round the object / An object gives out darkness) → An opaque object blocks lightPrompt: Light travels in straight lines.

You do: independent practice · 7 min

  • Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
  • Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 3 min

  • Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.
  1. Why does a shadow have the same shape as the object? (The object is a light source / Light travels in straight lines past the edges of the object / Shadows copy objects on purpose / Light bends around the object) → Light travels in straight lines past the edges of the objectPrompt: Picture straight rays from the torch to the wall.
  2. Which material is translucent? (wood / cardboard / aluminium (aluminum) foil / frosted glass) → frosted glassPrompt: Hold each one up to a window in your mind.

Watch out for

  • Everyday meanings of words getting in the way of the science meaning: define key words explicitly.
  • Remembering facts without the reason: ask "why?" and "what is the evidence?"

Support and stretch

Support

  • Review first: Light sources and seeing.
  • Use concrete materials: slinky or rope.
  • Give the first step of each question, or a partly worked example to finish.
  • Pair with a confident partner for the guided practice.

Stretch

  • Explain a common mistake in writing and how to fix it.
  • Write a word problem that uses today's skill, then solve a partner's.

Homework and more practice

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-3.

Free lesson plan from eurekami.com/lesson-plan-builder

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Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials

Name

Date

Score/ 6

  1. Question 1

    Is air transparent, translucent or opaque?

    • A. transparent
    • B. translucent
    • C. opaque

  2. Question 2

    Which material is translucent?

    • A. a thin cotton sheet
    • B. a brick
    • C. cardboard
    • D. clear water

  3. Question 3

    How is a shadow made?

    • A. A mirror reflects black light
    • B. Light bends round the object
    • C. An opaque object blocks light
    • D. An object gives out darkness

  4. Question 4

    Is a brick transparent, translucent or opaque?

    • A. transparent
    • B. translucent
    • C. opaque

  5. Question 5

    Which material is opaque?

    • A. frosted glass
    • B. clear water
    • C. a brick
    • D. a thin cotton sheet

  6. Question 6

    At what time of day is your shadow shortest?

    • A. early morning
    • B. around midday, when the Sun is highest
    • C. it is always the same
    • D. late evening

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Answer key: Shadows and transparent, translucent and opaque materials

  1. 1. A. transparent

  2. 2. A. a thin cotton sheet

  3. 3. C. An opaque object blocks light

  4. 4. C. opaque

  5. 5. C. a brick

  6. 6. B. around midday, when the Sun is highest