### Lesson Plan: Light and Shadows
**Class:** Year 3
**Subject:** Science
**Topic:** Light and Shadows
**Duration:** 60 minutes
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**Learning Objectives:**
1. Understand that light is essential for vision.
2. Identify the sources of light.
3. Discover how shadows are formed.
4. Investigate how the size and shape of shadows change.
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**Materials Required:**
- Torch/flashlight
- Various objects (transparent, translucent, opaque)
- A white screen or blank wall
- Measuring tape or ruler
- A large piece of white paper
- Pencils and markers
- Scissors
- Sticky tack
- Classroom globe (optional)
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**Introduction: (10 minutes)**
1. **Engage the students:** Begin with a few questions to spark interest. Ask:
- "What would happen if there was no light?"
- "Can you name some sources of light?"
2. **Discussion**: Explain briefly how the sun is the most significant natural source of light and how some man-made sources include torches and bulbs. Summarise that light helps us see things around us.
3. **Activity Preview**: Introduce the day's activities and objectives.
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**Activity 1: Exploring Light Sources (10 minutes)**
1. **Identify Light Sources**: Show students various pictures or objects and ask them to identify if they are sources of light. Examples include the sun, a torch, a cat (non-source), a lamp, a candle, etc.
2. **Group Activity**: As a class, sort the items into two categories on the board - 'Light Sources' and 'Non-Light Sources.'
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**Activity 2: Making Shadows (20 minutes)**
1. **Demonstrate Shadow Formation**:
- Take a torch and shine it on different objects against a white screen or wall to form shadows. Show the difference between transparent (no shadow), translucent (faint shadow), and opaque (clear shadow) materials.
2. **Hands-on Experiment**:
- Divide students into small groups. Give each group objects of varying transparency/opacity, a torch, and a white paper or screen.
- Ask them to create shadows with these objects and observe the differences.
- Discuss findings briefly with the class. Collect observations - "Which objects create the darkest shadows?" etc.
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**Activity 3: Changing Shadows (15 minutes)**
1. **Experiment on Shadow Size**:
- Demonstrate how the distance between the light source and the object affects the shadow size using a torch and an opaque object (e.g., a ball).
- Move the object closer and then farther from the light source, observing the changes in shadow size.
2. **Group Investigation**:
- Allow students to try this in their groups using rulers to measure distances and shadow lengths.
- Ask each group to draw the shape and note the size of the shadow at different distances.
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**Plenary: (5 minutes)**
1. **Recap**: Summarise the key points learned: sources of light, formation of shadows, and how shadow size changes.
2. **Questions**: Open floor to any final questions or thoughts.
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**Assessment:**
- Informal observation during group activities
- Class participation in discussions
- Shadow size recordings and drawings
**Homework:**
- Ask students to find objects at home (up to three) and classify them as transparent, translucent, or opaque. They can draw these objects and bring the drawings to the next class.
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**Notes:**
- Ensure safety while using torches; avoid directing light into eyes.
- Encourage teamwork and sharing of materials.
- Have a backup activity or interactive video in case there's extra time.
**Differentiation:**
- Provide additional assistance to students who may struggle with observations or measurements.
- Challenge advanced students by asking them to predict shadow sizes before experiments.
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**Reflection:**
After the lesson, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. Note any particular observations regarding student engagement and understanding to inform future planning.