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Mirror, mirror!

Science Year 3
This unit is part of Year 3 Science Light and Shadows

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Objectives

Investigate the strange world of mirrors. Discover what happens to writing in a mirror and how this can be used to write in secret code. Navigate a mirror maze and use mirrors to make objects multiply. Learn the secrets of mirrors and how they can help you see round corners.

Science Objectives
i) Notice that light is reflected from surfaces.

ii) Recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes.

Working Scientifically

  1. Identify differences, similarities or changes related to simple scientific ideas and processes.
  2. Use straightforward scientific evidence to answer questions or to support findings.

You Will Need

Provided Resources

  • Copies of the Reflections sheet (1 per child)
  • Copies of the maze (task 2)
  • Teachers’ Instructions for periscope

Additional Resources

  • A number of good quality safe mirrors for investigation tasks
  • 4 thick card sheets (about A3)
  • Coloured crayons
  • A selection of objects to reflect, e.g. flowers, leaves, scissors, pens etc.
  • Plenty of A5 paper
  • Masking tape
  • A selection of reflective objects
  • A periscope (if you have one)

Lesson Planning

Teaching

  • Investigate how light is reflected by different surfaces, looking for similarities and differences and noting observations.
  • Investigate the nature of reflections in mirrors through a variety of practical tasks including mirror writing, navigating mirror mazes and multiple mirror reflections.

Activities

  1. Test knowledge of light and learn some new light facts by playing an active team game.
  2. Investigate the properties of mirrors and reflections by undertaking 4 different tasks.
  3. Note down observations and use scientific knowledge on light to explain findings.
  4. Discover the effect of using 2 mirrors and how this can help us see round corners using a periscope.

Investigation - exploring/drawing conclusions
Discover the properties of mirrors and reflections by undertaking different investigative tasks and use scientific knowledge on light to explain findings.

Vocabulary
Reflect, mirror, reflection, image, concave, convex m

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