How Shadows Form
Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes
Typical age: 7–8 years
“Can your child make shadow puppets and explain why the shadow gets bigger when you move the puppet closer to the torch?”
0 / 3 mastered
Explore graph
Needs first
- Light & Seeing in the DarkREQUIRED
Must know light sources before understanding shadow patterns
- Transparent, Translucent & OpaqueREQUIRED
Must understand opaque materials block light before understanding shadow formation
- Light & Sound VocabularyREQUIRED
Explaining shadow formation requires 'opaque' and 'light source' vocabulary
Unlocks next
- How We See Objects
Shadow knowledge supports understanding how light interacts with objects
- Light Travels in Straight LinesREQUIRED
Must understand shadows before formalising that light travels in straight lines to explain shadows
- Shadows
Shadow formation knowledge supports measuring and graphing shadow changes