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Light (Y6)

Prior learning

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  • Recognise that they need light in order to see things and that dark is the absence of light. (Y3 - Light)

  • Notice that light is reflected from surfaces. (Y3 - Light)

  • Recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes. (Y3 - Light)

  • Recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object. (Y3 - Light)

  • Find patterns in the way that the size of shadows change. (Y3 - Light)

  • Compare and group together everyday materials on the basis of their properties, including their hardness, solubility, transparency, conductivity (electrical and thermal), and response to magnets. (Y5 - Properties and changes of materials)

Future learning

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  • The similarities and differences between light waves and waves in matter. (KS3)

  • Light waves travelling through a vacuum; speed of light. (KS3)

  • The transmission of light through materials: absorption, diffuse scattering and specular reflection at a surface. (KS3)

  • Use of ray model to explain imaging in mirrors, the pinhole camera, the refraction of light and action of convex lens in focusing (qualitative); the human eye. (KS3)

  • Light transferring energy from source to absorber leading to chemical and electrical effects; photo-sensitive material in the retina and in cameras. (KS3)

  • Colours and the different frequencies of light, white light and prisms (qualitative only); differential colour effects in absorption and diffuse reflection. (KS3)

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