This Science video introduces teachers to the key learning in this unit, where pupils explore how light behaves and how shadows form. Light is a store of energy that travels in waves and does not need particles to move, which is why it can travel through space. Visible light is just one part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which also includes radio waves, microwaves, and X-rays. Although we can’t see all of these with our eyes, they reflect and travel just like light. Pupils should recall that light always travels in straight lines unless it hits an object or a new material.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Science scheme – light. It supports teachers in helping pupils understand that when opaque objects block light, shadows form with the same shape as the object, because light can’t bend around it. Pupils will collect and analyse data about shadows and use it to draw conclusions. They’ll also explore how we see: either through direct light from luminous objects or reflected light from non-luminous ones. Lessons will also cover colour and reflection – white materials reflect all light, black absorbs it, and objects appear coloured depending on the light they reflect. Refraction and transparency are also explored, with pupils learning how light bends when passing through different materials. Remind pupils to use pencils, rulers, and arrows when drawing scientific diagrams to clearly show light direction and behaviour.

Science, Upper key stage 2, Year 6, Energy: Light and reflection, Lesson 1: The pathway of light