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Schemes of Work
QCA

Science at key stage 3    (Year 8)

Unit 8K: Light

QCA
About this unit

In this unit pupils:

  • build on their knowledge of light and its effects
  • learn how we see objects
  • represent light as a ray and use this concept to explain reflection and refraction
  • find out about the origin of coloured light and the appearance of coloured objects

In scientific enquiry pupils:

  • consider why the spectrum described by Newton has seven colours
  • make and test predictions about the path of light
  • measure and record angles
  • identify and make predictions from patterns in data
  • investigate reflection and refraction at a plane surface
  • investigate the effects of coloured light on the appearance of objects
Note

Much of this work involves the interpretation and analysis of visual information gathered from a variety of sources. Visually impaired pupils will be able to take part in activities through careful use of their residual vision and sense of touch, as many light sources are also heat sources. Teachers could adapt the work on colour to ensure that any pupils with impaired colour vision can make a contribution that is valued by the rest of the class.

This unit is expected to take approximately 7.5 hours.


Sections in this unit

This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
1. a. How does light travel?
2. b. How does light travel?
3. What happens when light meets an object?
4. How do we see things?
5. How do mirrors reflect light?
6. How are images formed?
7. Checking progress
8. Can light be bent?
9. What is a spectrum?
10. a. How can we change colour?
11. b. How can we change colour?
12. Reviewing work