Light & Shadow

Electronics - Level 1

Overview

This project explores light and shadow along with batteries and LEDs. It builds skills of circuits and gives pupils the opportunity to create their own light and shadow show.

We have included a range of exploration activities. They have been designed to promote curiosity and give pupils a sophisticated knowledge base with which to create their tinker time project. However, if time is short, please feel free to select the most appropriate activities for your pupils.

  1. Exploring light and shadow


What is a shadow? What makes a shadow?


What things create light? Categorise them into artificial and natural light


How do shadows change? Use a torch, OHP or light box to show how the outline and size of objects change when they are closer or further away from the light source. Ask pupils to make predictions of what they think may happen to the shape. Ask them to explain what they are seeing


If it is a sunny day, you could take the children outside. Ask them - Can you jump on your own shadow? Draw chalk outlines around objects and see if their friends can guess what they have drawn. You could do this activity in any large(ish) indoor space with a good amount of black out, an artificial light source and hard floor.

Where is the light coming from?

Where is the light coming from? Show the slides of shadows and ask children where the light is coming from. Use A, B, C, D voting cards to involve all children.


Emphasise that light travels in straight lines to cause the shadow.

Are all shadows black?

Use different coloured bulbs or coloured acetates on an OHP or light box to show how coloured light beams mix and what its like to look through different coloured filters. For more depth, the resources below from Exploratorium are excellent.

Exploration batteries

2. Exploring batteries

(approx 20 mins)

As a class, discuss and explore what batteries are (use the google slides to help). Look closely. What do you notice? Why are the two ends different? Can you draw a battery and label it with + and - ?

Has anyone used batteries before? What do we use them for? Why do we use them?

Learning points

  • Batteries can be different shapes and sizes

  • Batteries store electricity

  • Meaning we can power things that we don't want to plug in

  • Examples include, electronic toys, remote controls, mobile phones/tablets, torches

  • Batteries have a positive end and a negative end

  • When we put batteries into a holder, the flat, negative side slides against the spring

3. Explore LEDs

(approx 20 mins)

Can you draw an LED? What shapes is it made up of? Look closely. One leg is longer than the other. (See example drawing). Can you mark + and - on your diagram? (+ on the long leg, - on the shorter leg). Use the interactive Jamboard to make an LED diagram and label it.

Learning points:

  • An LED is a small light bulb

  • When it is connected in a circuit it lights up

  • LEDs come in different sizes and colours

  • LEDs can be found in car headlights, traffic light, kitchen cupboard lighting, TV remote control, light-up toys

LED drawing.pdf

LED Drawing PDF

Use this diagram to help discuss what LEDs are. Children could copy the diagram.

Exploring LEDs

Open this Google Jamboard and make a copy so you can edit. Use on the interactive whiteboard, iPad or computer. Children can create their own LED diagram and label the legs.

Suggested resources

Discovery table containing things that use batteries

Remote controls, flashing toys, fairy lights containing LEDs

Simple Circuits

Use these resources to help pupils to create a torch

Build a simple circuit

(0.5 hours)

  • Can you follow the simple diagram to help you build a simple circuit?

  • Remember: batteries have a + positive and a - negative end (red wire = positive and black wire = negative)

  • LEDs have a positive and negative leg (Long leg = positive, short leg = negative).

Trouble shooting:

  • Make sure batteries are the correct way round and the battery pack is switched on.

  • Ensure the exposed wire ends of the battery packs are inserted into the connector.

  • Locate the longer leg of the LED and insert it into the connector in line with the red wire and the other leg into the other slot.

Resources (per child or 1 between two)

  • 1 AA battery pack

  • 2 AA batteries

  • 1 Wire connector

  • 1 LED

Electronics_ Simple circuits.pdf

Simple circuit Slides

Simple circuit.pdf

Simple circuit diagram

Electronics_ paper circuits.pdf

Paper circuit slides

Simple circuit video tutorial

Watch Kaasim make his light up wand

paper circuits.pdf

PDF Paper Circuits

Can you make a fabulous light and shadow show?

Shadows have been used to tell stories for as long as humans have walked the earth. Can you make your own torches and create a light show or shadow show?


  • You might re-tell a favourite story or create your own!

  • You can make props, puppets, filters!

  • You could use music and colour to put on a fantastic display!

  • Take a look at the useful resources below for inspiration.

tinker time light and shadow

Use the maker cycle to help pupils produce their best work

Essential

Batteries AA

Battery pack 2xAA

LEDs coloured and white

Wire connectors

(Optional)

coloured acetate

Cardboard and craft materials for filters and props

Key Stage 2: National Curriculum links

Year 3 Science

Light

Pupils should be taught to: recognise that they need light in order to see things and that dark is the absence of light notice that light is reflected from surfaces recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object find patterns in the way that the size of shadows change.

Design and technology

Design

  • use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

  • generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, prototypes,

Make

  • select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

Technical knowledge

  • apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

  • understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

Useful websites and resources

A shadow puppet film made by 7-9 year olds

The very hungry caterpillar with music and voice over

Moving lights with stationary objects