Learning Map
ScienceWaves, Light & Soundusually ages 7–8

How Shadows Form

Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes

How to tell they’ve got it

Tick these off as you see them — no test required.

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Try this together

Can your child make shadow puppets and explain why the shadow gets bigger when you move the puppet closer to the torch?

Where this sits on the map

Stuck here? Check the skills it builds on first. Confident? Here’s what it unlocks.

Builds on
Light & Seeing in the Darkages 6–8Must know light sources before understanding shadow patterns
Light & Sound Vocabularyages 6–8Explaining shadow formation requires 'opaque' and 'light source' vocabulary
Transparent, Translucent & Opaqueages 6–7Must understand opaque materials block light before understanding shadow formation
How Shadows Formthis skill · ages 7–8
Unlocks
Light Travels in Straight Linesages 10–11Must understand shadows before formalising that light travels in straight lines to explain shadows
How We See Objectsages 9–11Shadow knowledge supports understanding how light interacts with objects
Shadowsages 10–11Shadow formation knowledge supports measuring and graphing shadow changes

solid = must come firstdashed = helps

Curriculum alignment

Candidate matches to official curriculum codes — machine-suggested, unreviewed (v0.1).

This skill sits outside the F–6 Australian Curriculum — no candidate code matched (v0.1). No NSW K–6 outcome code matched (v0.1). No Victorian Curriculum 2.0 code matched (v0.1).

Nearby on the map

Protecting Eyes from Sunlightages 7–8 Reflecting Lightages 7–8 Communication with Light & Soundages 6–7 Light & Seeing in the Darkages 6–8

All Waves, Light & Sound skills →