Science·Waves, Light & Sound·conceptual
Light Travels in Straight Lines
Recognise that light appears to travel in straight lines and use this to explain how we see objects and why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them
Suggested ages 10–11
Learning journey
Your child is learning how light travels in straight lines and using this understanding to explain everyday phenomena like how we see things and why shadows match the shape of objects that cast them.
Evidence of understanding
- State and demonstrate that light travels in straight lines (e.g. can't see around corners, laser pointer)
- Use straight-line light to explain why shadows have the same outline shape as the object
- Draw ray diagrams showing light travelling from source, being blocked by object, creating shadow on screen
Assessment prompt
Can Light Travels in Straight Lines explain why a shadow of a hand looks like a hand shape, using the idea that light travels in straight lines?
Standards alignment
Y6.Sci.L.1GB · uk-nc-2013
Light travels in straight lines
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2
Y6.Sci.L.4GB · uk-nc-2013
Shadows have the same shape as objects
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 2