Light: Shadows and Reflections: common misconceptions

If your child says… “Shiny things make light.”

Ask together

What happens to the spot when we switch off the torch?

What’s true

A mirror needs incoming light to make a bright spot.

If your child says… “Light will go around the card.”

Ask together

Where does the spot return as we slide the card back?

What’s true

The direct beam cannot bend around the card.

If your child says… “Tracing paper is transparent too.”

Ask together

Through which material can you see the shape's edges clearly?

What’s true

Tracing paper scatters passing light, blurring the view.

If your child says… “Nearer the torch means a smaller shadow.”

Ask together

Which way do the shadow's edges move as the card approaches the torch?

What’s true

Here, moving the card towards the torch makes its shadow larger.

If your child says… “The mirror turns things upside down.”

Ask together

Where is the arrow's tip in its image?

What’s true

A plane mirror keeps top and bottom the same way up.

If your child says… “The image will stand upright.”

Ask together

After crossing the hole, where does light travelling downwards continue?

What’s true

Light from the tree's top crosses the hole and reaches the screen's lower part.

If your child says… “One mirror is enough.”

Ask together

After the upper mirror sends light downwards, which mirror turns it towards your eye?

What’s true

This periscope needs both mirrors to guide light to the eye.

If your child says… “The pattern always stays the same.”

Ask together

What changes in the reflections when you shift one piece?

What’s true

The pattern changes when the loose pieces change position.