Investigating shadows using transparent, translucent and opaque materials
In this set of investigations, students explore objects made from materials that are transparent, translucent and opaque and the effect this has on their shadows. The investigations are designed for students working at New Zealand Curriculum levels 1 and 2.
Opaque and translucent drink bottles
Some materials let more light pass through them than others. Two of the drink bottles are opaque and form solid shadows. The other bottles are translucent and allow some of the light to pass through them.
Transparent materials let most of the light pass through. Translucent materials allow some light to pass through. Transparent and translucent objects still form shadows, but they may be faint, fuzzy or coloured.
These investigations support the science capability ‘Gather and interpret data’. Their purpose is to encourage students to make observations, form predictions and begin to develop content vocabulary.
By the end of these investigations, students should be able to:
discuss observations about objects in their school environment
discuss observations about shadows formed by these objects
make comparisons between objects and their shadows
identify why some objects (like windows) are transparent, while others are translucent
begin to use content vocabulary.
Download the Word file (see link below).
