A free Year 3 STEM science topic exploring light sources, shadows, reflections, sundials, mirrors, light safety and the creative use of light in art through hands-on experiments.
The Light, Shadows and Reflections topic includes:
8a. Light In Art Video.mp4
1. Investigating Light.pdf
1a. Investigating Light Activity Sheet.pdf
2. Making Shadows Investigation.pdf
2a. Making Shadows Investigation Sheet.pdf
3. Shadow Size Investigation.pdf
3a. Shadow Size Investigation Sheet.pdf
4. Sundial Investigation.pdf
4a. Sundial Investigation Activity Sheet.pdf
5. Drawing Shadows.pdf
6. Shadow Puppets.pdf
7. Mirrors And Reflections.pdf
7a. Shape Reflections Activity Sheet.pdf
7b. Mirror Maze Activity Sheet.pdf
8. Using Light In Art.pdf
8b. Light In Art Activity Sheet.pdf
9. Mixing Colours Through Light.pdf
Key Details +
Year Group: Year 3 (ages 7–8)
Key Stage: Lower KS2
Subject: Science and Art
Resource type: Free topic page with investigations, activity sheets, a video and creative projects
Themes: light sources, shadows, shadow size, sundials, mirrors, reflections, colour and light safety
Curriculum Alignment +
Aligned to Year 3 science learning about light and shadows. Children explore how we see, how light is reflected from surfaces, how shadows form when light is blocked, and how shadow size changes. The topic also supports safe use of light, scientific observation, fair testing, recording results and communicating findings. Cross-curricular links include Art and Design through drawing, colour, shadow puppets and using light creatively.
Teaching Tips +
Begin by identifying natural and artificial light sources, then use the Investigating Light activity to help children describe how light allows us to see and how it behaves around different surfaces.
Use the shadow investigations to develop fair-testing skills. Ask children to change one variable at a time, make predictions, measure or compare results and explain patterns in shadow size.
The Sundial Investigation provides a practical way to connect shadows with the apparent movement of the Sun. Reinforce light-safety messages whenever children investigate sunlight or bright light sources.
Mirrors, reflections and the mirror maze are useful for encouraging children to observe carefully and explain how light can be reflected from a surface.
Shadow Puppets, Drawing Shadows and Using Light in Art link science with creativity. Encourage children to discuss how the direction, position and colour of light affect what they see.
Use the video, activity sheets and investigation records flexibly as whole-class demonstrations, group enquiries, independent work or evidence for science assessment.
