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Science lesson plan · 3rd grade (Year 4 in England) · 45 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 · 5 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 · 5 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 · 10 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 · 10 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 · 10 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 8 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

Exit ticket · 5 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/ 8

  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

  7. Question 7

    Which material is transparent?

    • A. cling film (plastic wrap)
    • B. tracing paper
    • C. greaseproof (wax) paper
    • D. wood

  8. Question 8

    Why does a shadow have the same shape as the object?

    • A. Light bends around the object
    • B. The object is a light source
    • C. Light travels in straight lines past the edges of the object
    • D. Shadows copy objects on purpose

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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

  7. 7. A. cling film (plastic wrap)

  8. 8. C. Light travels in straight lines past the edges of the object