English National Curriculum - Science

Refraction

Mission Objectives

Describe the dispersion of white light as it passes through a prism

Explain the dispersion of white light as it passes through a prism

Explain how the refraction of light changes the appearance of the depth of an object

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

angle of refraction

angle between the refracted ray (bent light) and the normal, as light passes from one medium to another (e.g., air to glass)

angle of incidence

angle between the incident ray (incoming light) and the normal (a line at 90° to the surface) at the point where light hits a boundary

prism

transparent optical object, often triangular in shape, used to refract and disperse light, separating white light into a visible spectrum

dispersion

splitting of white light into its component colours (spectrum) because different wavelengths refract by different amounts

dense medium

s a material where particles are packed more closely together, which causes light or other waves to travel more slowly through it

This lesson has been written by

Sarah Mintey MBE

Sarah is a former headteacher and charity CEO who founded Developing Experts in October 2015 with the goal to create a fit-for-purpose curriculum for schools. The company has created a science curriculum for children ages 4-16 which is delivered through sequenced lessons mapped against the National Curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics. Developing Expert's innovative approach to learning has already been road-tested and voted 'best EdTech product in Europe', winning Tech Nation’s Rising Stars earlier in 2019 and a place on Google for Startups Immersion program 2020. In 2022 Developing Experts won the BETT Awards for Best Classroom Resource - Teaching Aid. Sarah is a 'LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leader' 2022. In October 2022 Developing Experts joined Tech Nation's Upscale 8.0 programme.

Sarah is delighted to be working with over 6500 UK schools and clients such as the Royal Horticulture Society, Network Rail, Rolls Royce, BEIS, National Nuclear Labs, Anglian Water and the Ministry of Defence.

Sarah was awarded an MBE for her services to tech and education in 2020. 

Samantha Batch

Samantha is a dedicated and accomplished science educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the field, coupled with a strong background in scientific analysis. She has a proven track record of strategically managing educational departments, driving operational efficiencies, and nurturing collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 

Samantha previously served as the Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form Tutor, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley with extensive Key Stage 4 and 5 teaching experience and leadership. In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, she is also an examiner for AQA, providing her with valuable insight into assessment standards and exam specifications.

In her spare time, Samantha enjoys playing the accordion with her local orchestra and has recently taken up cricket, where she's enthusiastically honing her skills both on and off the pitch!

Required Resources

Ray boxes & power supplies 

Slits

Rectangular transparent blocks of different materials eg glass & perspex 

30 cm rulers

Protractors 

Sheet of plain A3 paper.

Handouts

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