Mirror – Image Formation Properties of Light Plane Mirror Reflection of light Basic Science Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Basic Science Primary 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Subject: Basic Science

Class: Primary 3

Term: First Term

Week: 6

Age: 8 years

Topic: Mirror-Image Formation

Sub-topic: Properties of Light, Plane Mirrors, Reflection of Light

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  1. Identify characteristics of light.
  2. Describe types of mirrors.
  3. Demonstrate the reflection of light using shiny surfaces.
  4. Explain the applications of reflection of light.

Keywords

  • Light
  • Mirror
  • Reflection
  • Plane Mirror
  • Image
  • Shiny Surface

Set Induction

The teacher will show a mirror and ask the pupils to observe what they see. Discuss how mirrors reflect images.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils have seen and used mirrors in their daily lives and have some understanding of how reflections work.

Learning Resources and Materials

  • Plane mirrors
  • Shiny surfaces (e.g., metal spoons)
  • Flashlight

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss instances where pupils have observed reflections in mirrors or shiny surfaces at home or school.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Observation
  • Practical demonstration
  • Explanation

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Basic Science Textbook for Primary 3

Instructional Materials

  • Plane mirrors
  • Shiny surfaces
  • Flashlight

Content

1. Characteristics of Light

  • Light travels in straight lines.
  • Light can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed.

2. Types of Mirrors

  • Plane Mirror: A flat mirror that reflects light to form a virtual image.
  • Examples: Bathroom mirrors, handheld mirrors.

3. Reflection of Light

  • Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface.
  • A mirror creates a mirror image by reflecting light.

4. Applications of Reflection of Light

  • Mirrors are used for personal grooming, safety (e.g., rear-view mirrors), and in optical instruments (e.g., telescopes).

Class Activity Discussion

  1. Light travels in _____ lines.
    a) curved
    b) straight
    c) zigzag
    d) wavy
  2. A _____ mirror is a flat mirror that reflects light to form a virtual image.
    a) curved
    b) plane
    c) magnifying
    d) colored
  3. Light _____ when it bounces off a surface.
    a) refracts
    b) absorbs
    c) reflects
    d) scatters
  4. A _____ mirror is commonly used in bathrooms.
    a) magnifying
    b) plane
    c) colored
    d) concave
  5. The _____ creates a mirror image by reflecting light.
    a) spoon
    b) flashlight
    c) mirror
    d) window
  6. Shiny surfaces like a _____ can reflect light.
    a) paper
    b) cloth
    c) metal spoon
    d) wood
  7. Mirrors are used in _____ to help drivers see behind their vehicles.
    a) schools
    b) telescopes
    c) rear-view mirrors
    d) books
  8. Light that bounces off a surface is known as _____ of light.
    a) absorption
    b) reflection
    c) refraction
    d) dispersion
  9. The _____ is the image you see in a plane mirror.
    a) real image
    b) virtual image
    c) physical image
    d) reflective image
  10. The ability of light to bounce off surfaces is known as its _____ property.
    a) absorption
    b) reflection
    c) refraction
    d) dispersion
  11. A _____ mirror can create a larger image than the object.
    a) plane
    b) concave
    c) convex
    d) magnifying
  12. A _____ surface is not useful for reflecting light.
    a) shiny
    b) rough
    c) smooth
    d) flat
  13. Light can be reflected by a _____ mirror.
    a) rusty
    b) broken
    c) plane
    d) colored
  14. We use _____ to see our reflection in a mirror.
    a) sound
    b) light
    c) heat
    d) smell
  15. A _____ can show you your reflection.
    a) sheet
    b) spoon
    c) mirror
    d) chair

Class Activity Discussion

  1. What are the characteristics of light?
    Light travels in straight lines and can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed.
  2. What type of mirror is flat and reflects light to form a virtual image?
    A plane mirror.
  3. What happens when light bounces off a surface?
    It reflects.
  4. What is a common use for a plane mirror?
    A plane mirror is commonly used in bathrooms for personal grooming.
  5. How can light be reflected?
    Light can be reflected by surfaces like mirrors and shiny objects.
  6. What types of surfaces can reflect light?
    Shiny surfaces, such as metal spoons, can reflect light.
  7. How do rear-view mirrors use reflection of light?
    They help drivers see behind their vehicles by reflecting light.
  8. What do we call the image seen in a plane mirror?
    A virtual image.
  9. What is the process called when light bounces off a surface?
    Reflection.
  10. Why do we use mirrors?
    Mirrors are used for personal grooming, safety, and in optical instruments.
  11. What is a concave mirror used for?
    A concave mirror can create a larger image of the object.
  12. Why might a rough surface not reflect light well?
    A rough surface scatters light, making it less effective for clear reflections.
  13. What is the purpose of a flashlight in demonstrating reflection?
    A flashlight helps show how light reflects off different surfaces.
  14. What makes light visible in a mirror?
    The reflection of light makes the image visible in the mirror.
  15. What happens if you shine a flashlight on a non-shiny surface?
    The light may be absorbed or scattered rather than clearly reflected.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic which was the measurement of time.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic by showing how light reflects off mirrors and shiny surfaces.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to observe and describe reflections and corrects them when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Demonstrate reflection using mirrors and shiny surfaces.
  • Explain the properties and applications of reflection.
  • Ask questions to check understanding.

Learners’ Activities

  • Observe reflections in mirrors and shiny surfaces.
  • Describe the characteristics of light and types of mirrors.
  • Demonstrate reflection using a flashlight and mirrors.

Assessment

  • Oral questions and answers.
  • Practical demonstration of reflection.

Evaluation Questions

  1. What are the characteristics of light?
  2. What type of mirror is used to see a virtual image?
  3. How does a plane mirror reflect light?
  4. What happens when light bounces off a surface?
  5. What is the use of a mirror in a bathroom?
  6. Name a shiny surface that reflects light.
  7. What is a virtual image?
  8. How do rear-view mirrors help drivers?
  9. Why is reflection of light important?
  10. What type of mirror can create a larger image?

Conclusion

The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ work and provides feedback.