• 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. 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 walls give out light. / 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?
2. True or false? The Moon is a light source. (True / False) → FalsePrompt: Where does the light start, and where must it end?
3. You go into a room with no windows and shut the door. The light is off. What can you see? (nothing at all / everything, but in black and white / only shiny things / only red things) → nothing at allPrompt: What is missing from the room?

• Ask the class to make a wave with a rope or slinky and describe what moves and what doesn't.
• Share the objective: Mirrors and shiny surfaces bounce light. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Could you see a clear reflection in this: a shop window at night?
• Step 1: Smooth, shiny surfaces bounce light back neatly, so you can often see yourself.
• Step 2: So the answer is: reflects light well (shiny and smooth)
• Answer: reflects light well (shiny and smooth)
• 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. Could you see a clear reflection in this: a paper bag? (reflects light well (shiny and smooth) / does not reflect well (dull or rough)) → does not reflect well (dull or rough)Prompt: Is the surface smooth and shiny, or rough and dull?
2. Road signs and bike reflectors glow when headlights shine on them. Why? (They reflect the light straight back towards the driver. / They store sunlight from the day. / They are hot. / They have batteries inside.) → They reflect the light straight back towards the driver.Prompt: Do they glow if no light shines on them?

• 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.

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

1. Could you see a clear reflection in this: a polished metal tray? (reflects light well (shiny and smooth) / does not reflect well (dull or rough)) → reflects light well (shiny and smooth)Prompt: Is the surface smooth and shiny, or rough and dull?
2. How can you use a mirror to light up a dark corner with sunlight? (Tilt the mirror so the sunlight bounces into the corner. / Break the mirror into pieces. / Put the mirror in the dark corner facing the wall. / Cover the mirror with paper.) → Tilt the mirror so the sunlight bounces into the corner.Prompt: What do mirrors do to light that hits them?

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