Physical Sciences
Light
Students investigate reflection, refraction and diffraction using mirrors, lenses and diffraction gratings, with laser beam demonstrations bringing the physics of light into sharp, visible focus.
Year 5–6
90 min
up to 30 students
$490 + GST
What students will do
Students freely explore double mirrors, convex and concave mirrors, and patterned discs to investigate reflection, then navigate a mirror maze, aiming a torch beam at a target using mirror stands. A water-filled glass and arrow card demonstrate refraction, while students project magnified images using a magnifying glass and white card to explore how lenses work. Diffraction grating cards and coloured filters reveal how light separates into a spectrum, and UV-reactive beads tested with a UV torch and sunglasses close the hands-on sequence. Teacher demonstrations with a laser beam illustrate the angle of reflection, concave and convex lens behaviour, pigment phosphorescence and the direction light travels through different materials.
Curriculum outcomes
Victorian Curriculum v2.0 content descriptions addressed in this session.
- VC2S6U08
Investigate how light is reflected by flat, convex and concave mirrors, and refracted when it passes between materials of different density
- VC2S6U08
Describe how light travels in straight lines and interacts with transparent, translucent and opaque materials to form shadows and projected images
Use diffraction gratings, lenses and UV-reactive materials to observe and explain dispersion, magnification and ultraviolet light
Often booked alongside
Physical Sciences
Electricity
Students build working circuits, classify conductors and insulators, compare series and parallel configurations, and investigate how different energy sources (including hand-powered generators) produce electricity.
Physical Sciences
Force & Motion
Students measure forces with a spring balance, test friction across surfaces, feel inertia first-hand, launch reaction rockets, and explore magnetism and static electricity.
Physical Sciences
Heat & Energy
Students investigate how heat moves by observing convection currents, comparing conduction through plastic and metal using an infrared thermometer, and testing how insulators slow heat transfer.
Bring Light to your school
Tell us your year levels and preferred dates. We'll confirm availability and bring everything with us.
Limited dates each term — one facilitator, one school per day.