Science: Light Sources Reflection and Shadows Worksheet

Question 1

Name two objects that are light sources. Then explain why they are light sources.

Accepted Answer

A lamp and the Sun are light sources because they make their own light that we can see.

Question 2

Is the Moon a light source? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

The Moon is not a light source because it does not make its own light. We see the Moon because sunlight reflects off it.

Question 3

Look at this list: flashlight, mirror, candle, book. Which two objects are light sources?

Accepted Answer

The flashlight and the candle are light sources because they give off light.

Question 4

What happens when light hits a mirror?

Accepted Answer

When light hits a mirror, the light reflects, or bounces off, the mirror.

Question 5

A student shines a flashlight on a white wall. The wall looks bright. Is the wall making its own light or reflecting light?

Accepted Answer

The wall is reflecting light from the flashlight. The wall does not make its own light.

Question 6

Circle the objects that usually reflect light well: mirror, dull rock, shiny spoon, paper towel. Explain one choice.

Accepted Answer

The mirror and shiny spoon usually reflect light well because they have smooth, shiny surfaces.

Question 7

How is a shadow made?

Accepted Answer

A shadow is made when an object blocks light from reaching a surface.

Question 8

A toy car is placed between a lamp and a wall. Where will the shadow form?

Accepted Answer

The shadow will form on the wall behind the toy car, away from the lamp.

Question 9

Which object would make the darkest shadow: a clear plastic bag, a glass window, or a cardboard box? Explain why.

Accepted Answer

The cardboard box would make the darkest shadow because it blocks most or all of the light.

Question 10

A student moves a hand closer to a flashlight while making a shadow on the wall. What will happen to the hand's shadow?

Accepted Answer

The hand's shadow will usually get bigger when the hand moves closer to the flashlight.

Question 11

True or false: Shadows can change size. Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

This is true. Shadows can change size when the object moves closer to or farther from the light source or the surface.

Question 12

The Sun is low in the sky in the morning. Will your shadow usually be long or short? Explain your answer.

Accepted Answer

Your shadow will usually be long because sunlight comes from a low angle in the morning.

Question 13

Write one way light helps people in everyday life.

Accepted Answer

Light helps people see objects around them, such as when a lamp helps someone read a book.

Question 14

A mirror, a shiny metal tray, and a wooden table are placed in sunlight. Which one will likely reflect the most light? Explain why.

Accepted Answer

The mirror will likely reflect the most light because it is very smooth and shiny.

Question 15

Draw or describe a simple setup that would make a shadow. Include a light source, an object, and a surface.

Accepted Answer

One correct setup is a flashlight shining at a cup with a wall behind it. The cup blocks some light, so a shadow forms on the wall.

Science: Light Sources Reflection and Shadows