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

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

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Learning goalsSay it simply

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 conceptTeach from the board

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 effectreflectionmirrorlight changes directionrefractionair to waterspeed and direction changeabsorptiondark clothlight energy transferred to materialtransmissionclear glassmuch light passes throughscatteringrough 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.

Clean visual examplesOne-page board

Clean one-page examples

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
Example 1

interaction example ray/energy effect reflection mirror light changes direction refraction air to water speed and direction change absorption dark cloth light energy transferred to material transmission clear glass much light passes through scattering rough white surface light reflected many directions

Example 2

interaction example ray/energy effect reflection mirror light changes direction refraction air to water speed and direction change absorption dark cloth light energy transferred to material transmission clear glass much light passes through scattering rough white surface light reflected many directions

Example 3

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

Example 4

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

Curriculum examplesCopied content

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
Questions and answersWith answers

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.
Practice and reviewReady for practice
  • 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.

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

Curriculum alignmentStart here

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
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