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.
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).
