• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Why we need light to see things). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Why can you see a book on your desk? (Light from a lamp or the Sun bounces off the book into your eyes. / Books glow in the dark. / Your eyes send out light onto the book. / The book makes its own light.) → Light from a lamp or the Sun bounces off the book into your eyes.Prompt: Does a book give out its own light?
2. True or false? If you wait long enough in a totally dark room, your eyes will see everything. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: Where does the light start, and where must it end?
3. What does a torch (flashlight) do in a dark cave? (It gives out light that bounces off the walls so we can see them. / It makes the walls give out light. / It makes our eyes stronger. / It makes the cave warmer, so we see better.) → 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?

• Ask the class to make a wave with a rope or slinky and describe what moves and what doesn't.
• Share the objective: How shadows form when light is blocked. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Why is the shape of a shadow the same outline as the object?
• Step 1: Straight-line light makes a dark shape matching the object's outline.
• Step 2: So the answer is: Light travels in straight lines, so it is blocked exactly where the object is.
• Answer: Light travels in straight lines, so it is blocked exactly where the object is.
• 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. Why is the shape of a shadow the same outline as the object? (The object paints its shape. / Light bends around the object. / Light travels in straight lines, so it is blocked exactly where the object is. / Shadows are photos of the object.) → Light travels in straight lines, so it is blocked exactly where the object is.Prompt: Does light curve round corners?
2. True or false? You can make a shadow without any light. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: What does an object do to light to make a shadow?

• 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. Shadows: which statement is true? (A see-through glass makes only a faint shadow. / A shadow shows your face and your eyes. / The shadow of a cup has the shape of a triangle. / Shadows point towards the light.) → A see-through glass makes only a faint shadow.Prompt: Picture a torch, a toy and a wall.
2. Which of these is needed to make a shadow? (a light source and an object that blocks light / only a dark room / a mirror and some water / a loud noise) → a light source and an object that blocks lightPrompt: Think of shadow puppets: what do you need?

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