Learning objectives
Knowledge
- To summarise how shadows change throughout the day.
Working scientifically
- To consider variables when planning an enquiry.
Success criteria
Knowledge
- I can recall
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National curriculum
Science
Light
Pupils
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Cross-curricular links
English
Spoken language
Pupils should
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Before the lesson
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Lesson plan
Recap and recall
Display the Presentation: Shadow of a burning candle and ask the class to explain the shadow observed.
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Extended-mode explainer videos
How to extend your display to view the lesson page and preseantion mode simultaneously. Choose your operating system below to watch the video
Adaptive teaching
Pupils needing extra support
Should use the Activity: Investigating shadows throughout the day practical support that provides a template for carrying out the enquiry and where to position the equipment; could watch the Pupil video: Investigating shadows throughout the day to support following the method and replaying the expected results; should have the variables written on sticky notes for them ready to sort.
Pupils working at greater depth
Should use more detail and evidence from the experiment to describe the relationship between the position of the Sun and shadows produced throughout the day or at different seasons; should independently suggest variables relevant to the experiment; could identify similarities and differences when comparing how the shadow would change throughout the day between summer and winter (for example, shadows will be shorter at midday in both winter and summer but will not be as short in winter as the Sun is lower in the sky); could write a recipe for making a good shadow based on their observations of shadows throughout the lesson; could choose an extension activity relating to light and shadows from the Resource: Stretch and challenge: Light and shadows.
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Assessing progress and understanding
Pupils with secure understanding indicated by: recalling what causes shadows to change
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Knowledge outcomes
- I can recall that the position of the light source (the Sun) causes shadows to change throughout the day.
- I can describe that shadows are much longer when the Sun is low in the sky, such as at sunrise or sunset; shadows are much shorter when the Sun is high in the sky.
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Vocabulary definitions
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control variable
A variable that needs to be kept the same.
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prove
To show that something is true.
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In this unit
Assessment - Science Y3/4 (A): Light and shadows
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 1: Sources of light
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 2: What is reflection?
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 3: Where do shadows come from?
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 4: Shadows throughout the day
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 5: Investigating shadows
Y3/4 (A): Lesson 6: Using light and shadows