AC9S5U03 • Year 5 Science

AC9S5U03: Identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted

identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted

Topic GuideClassroom ViewWorksheetPracticeTest
What students learn in AC9S5U03

Students trace rays from a source, explain reflection from surfaces, refraction when light changes medium, absorption by materials and shadow formation when opaque objects block light.

Light travels in straight lines within a uniform medium and changes direction or energy distribution when it interacts with materials.

A shadow forms where direct light cannot reach. It is not a material produced by the object.

Material labels such as transparent, translucent and opaque describe degrees of transmission in a context; real materials may transmit some wavelengths differently.

Learning routine: Observe → Model → Investigate → Analyse → Explain → Evaluate

Success looks like

  • Identify system components
  • Explain relationships with a model
  • Use evidence from a fair method
  • Apply to a new context
  • Evaluate limits and further questions
Key vocabulary
reflection
change of light direction at a surface
refraction
change in direction as light changes speed between media
absorption
transfer of light energy to a material
Concept models and worked thinking

Trace source, object and shadow

light source
object
shadow
Opaque object blocks straight-line rays; larger distance relationships change shadow size

A shadow forms where direct light cannot reach. It is not a material produced by the object.

  1. Read every label and identify the quantities, parts or evidence.
  2. Explain the relationship shown—not just the final answer.
  3. Check the conclusion against the original question and units.

Compare light–material interactions

interactionexampleray/energy effect reflectionmirrorlight changes direction refractionair to waterspeed and direction change absorptiondark clothlight energy transferred to material transmissionclear glassmuch light passes through scatteringrough white surfacelight reflected many directions

Material labels such as transparent, translucent and opaque describe degrees of transmission in a context; real materials may transmit some wavelengths differently.

Now transfer the same relationship to a new situation and justify the result with precise vocabulary.

Curriculum coverage and elaborations

Content description: identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted.

  • E1: distinguishing between natural (such as glow worms, the sun and stars) and artificial (such as light bulbs or candles) sources of light
  • E2: investigating the shadows that are formed when light is completely or partially blocked by an object, such as when using a sundial or shadow puppets
  • E3: drawing ray diagrams to show how the path of light from a source reflects off surfaces into the eye
  • E4: observing refraction of light using prisms or water droplets and examining the rainbow effect produced
  • E5: exploring how 'holograph' videos use the refractive properties of light to create an image that appears to be 3-dimensional
  • E6: exploring the use of reflection of light by mirrors such as in periscopes and mirror mazes
  • E7: recognising First Nations Australians’ understanding of refraction as experienced in spearfishing and in shimmering body paint, and reflection as evidenced by materials selected for construction of housing
Guided learning activities

1. Model and annotate

Build or examine the visual model for reflection, refraction and absorption of light, label the parts and explain the relationship.

light source
object
shadow
Opaque object blocks straight-line rays; larger distance relationships change shadow size

2. Investigate or analyse evidence

Use a controlled comparison, data set or source evidence to test the application and record a cautious conclusion.

interactionexampleray/energy effect reflectionmirrorlight changes direction refractionair to waterspeed and direction change absorptiondark clothlight energy transferred to material transmissionclear glassmuch light passes through scatteringrough white surfacelight reflected many directions

3. Transfer and evaluate

Apply the explanation to a new case, identify limitations and propose a next question or design improvement.

Trace a ray to the eye. Explain a shadow. Compare reflection/refraction. Identify absorption.
Revision Notes

Core idea: Light travels in straight lines within a uniform medium and changes direction or energy distribution when it interacts with materials.

Remember

  • Identify system components
  • Explain relationships with a model
  • Use evidence from a fair method
  • Apply to a new context
  • Evaluate limits and further questions

Important questions

  • Trace a ray to the eye. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Explain a shadow. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Compare reflection/refraction. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Identify absorption. Explain using the model or evidence above.
  • Predict shadow size change. Explain using the model or evidence above.
How to use this unit

Learn from the Topic Guide and fixed Teacher Slides, complete the Practice Sheet, use Practice for supported feedback, then take the Test when ready.

AC9S5U03 Teacher Slides

Project the fixed branded slide deck one slide at a time.

Open Classroom View
Common misconceptions
  • Eyes send out light to see — Light from a source reaches objects and then the eye.
  • Shadow is reflected light — It is a region receiving less direct light.
  • Refraction is reflection — Refraction occurs as light passes between media.
  • Black objects contain darkness — They absorb more visible light under the conditions.
🎥 Optional Video Lesson

The SkillrHub lesson remains the primary learning resource. This optional video reinforces the explanation; you can complete the lesson and practice without watching.

Back to the lesson

Before you watch:

  • Pause after each worked example.
  • Try the examples yourself.
  • Return to the SkillrHub lesson before continuing.
Recommended: Light for Kids

Learn Bright — Recognise light sources and explore reflection and refraction.

As you watch: How is a reflected ray different from a refracted ray?

Load video player Loads YouTube in this lesson. See the video notice below.

Try it: Draw a light path from a torch to a mirror and another into water; label where the direction changes.

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Curriculum equivalents: Victoria, NSW and international

Curriculum equivalents for Sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight...

Mapped skill: identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted

These references identify matching or closely related learning. Curriculum sequence, terminology and depth vary, so teachers should use the mapped skill and lesson difficulty to confirm suitability.

RegionCurriculum frameworkClosest level or code
AustraliaAustralian Curriculum v9.0AC9S5U03 · Year 5
VictoriaVictorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0 — ScienceVC2S6U08 · Levels 5–6
New South WalesNSW Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus (2024)ST3-SCI-01 · Stage 3
United States (USA)Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)Grade 5
Canada (Ontario)Ontario Curriculum — ScienceGrade 5
United Kingdom (England)National Curriculum in England — ScienceYear 6, Key Stage 2
IndiaNCERT / CBSE — ScienceClass 5

Australian Curriculum v9.0 is the canonical source for this SkillrHub lesson. Victoria and NSW entries name the closest published state codes or outcomes; international entries are planning references rather than claims of identical curricula.

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Topic reference: AC9S5U03 — AC9S5U03: Identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted

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Official curriculum reference

Australian Curriculum Version 9.0

Related Year 5 Science topics

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