English National Curriculum - Science

Lenses

Mission Objectives

Construct and interpret ray diagrams for convex and concave lenses

Calculate magnification using the appropriate formula

Explain how lenses form images

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Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

focal length

the distance from the centre of the lens to the focal point, usually measured in centimetres (cm) or metres (m)

focal point

the point where rays of light parallel to the principal axis either converge (convex) or appear to diverge from (concave) after passing through the lens

concave

a lens that is thinner in the middle than at the edges; it diverges (spreads out) parallel rays of light away from a focal point

convex

a lens that is thicker in the middle than at the edges; it converges (brings together) parallel rays of light to a focal point

real image

an image formed when light rays actually meet at a point after passing through a lens; a real image can be projected onto a screen and is usually inverted

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

Lamp boxes with crosses and power supplies

Examples of different types of lens (concave, convex, plano-concave, plano-convex).

Lens stands

Tracing paper

Hand lenses

Graph paper

Converging lenses

Magnifying glasses

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