Know it! - Light and Dark - Year 3

In a comprehensive educational unit focused on the concepts of light and dark, Year 3 students are encouraged to explore the reasons behind these natural phenomena and their significance in daily life. The unit includes a series of retrieval tasks designed to consolidate the children's understanding. These tasks prompt the students to recall key information about sunlight, reflection, and moonlight. For instance, they are asked to list three things they remember about each topic, reinforcing their retention and comprehension of the subject matter. The activities are structured to make learning interactive, with points awarded for correct answers and a time limit set to add a sense of urgency and engagement.

The learning experience is further enriched by practical exercises, such as identifying the times at which different shadows are cast by a stick, which helps children understand the movement of the sun and the formation of shadows. Another activity involves distinguishing between true and false statements about light behaviour, such as absorption, reflection, and the properties of shadows and images in mirrors. The unit also introduces a creative 'Cops and robbers' game where pupils are tasked with recalling their own knowledge about light and dark, and then 'stealing' ideas from their peers to enhance their understanding. This dynamic approach to learning ensures that students actively participate and engage with the material, fostering a deeper grasp of how light and dark affect our lives.