• 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 torch (flashlight) that is switched on 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. How do we see a book on a table? (Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyes / We do not need light to see / The book makes its own light / Our eyes send out light to the book) → Light from a source reflects off the book into our eyesPrompt: What happens in a completely dark room?
3. Light: which statement is NOT true? (The Moon shines by reflecting sunlight. / The Sun is a light source. / Our eyes give out light so that we can see. / We see objects when light reflects off them into our eyes.) → Our eyes give out light so that we can see.Prompt: Does the Moon make its own light?

• Ask the class to make a wave with a rope or slinky and describe what moves and what doesn't.
• Share the objective: Why we need light to see things. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: What does a torch (flashlight) do in a dark cave?
• Step 1: The torch is a light source; its light reflects off the walls into our eyes.
• Step 2: So the answer is: It gives out light that bounces off the walls so we can see them.
• Answer: It gives out light that bounces off the walls so we can see them.
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. What does a torch (flashlight) do in a dark cave? (It makes our eyes stronger. / It gives out light that bounces off the walls so we can see them. / It makes the cave warmer, so we see better. / It makes the walls give out light.) → It gives out light that bounces off the walls so we can see them.Prompt: Where does the light start, and where does it end up?
2. True or false? We need light to see things. (True / False) → TruePrompt: Where does the light start, and where must it end?

• 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.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. True or false? Our eyes shine light onto things so we can see them. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: Where does the light start, and where must it end?
2. A cat's eyes seem to shine in the dark when a car's headlights catch them. Is the cat making light? (No, it is the Moon making the eyes. / Yes, cats' eyes are light sources. / No, its eyes are reflecting the headlights. / Yes, but only at night.) → No, its eyes are reflecting the headlights.Prompt: Would the eyes shine if there were no light at all?

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/science/grade-1.