Ray Diagrams & Images
Construct ray diagrams to show the formation of images by plane mirrors and converging lenses, identifying whether images are real or virtual, magnified or diminished, upright or inverted
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Ray Diagrams & Images means practising the idea at the table with a simple hands-on check. We will demo once, then your child tries.”
Bring to the table
- A torch or phone light and a blank wall OR a rubber band / ruler for sound
- Paper for notes
Extra for the adult
Worked example. Move the torch closer: the shadow gets bigger. Distance caused the change.
Optional challenge. For Ray Diagrams & Images, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Ray Diagrams & Images, not mastery.
Share and support
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Practice this concept
Start practiceRay Diagrams & Images practice
Practice key ideas from Ray Diagrams & Images.
Free · no login · no ads · Practice answers and completion are not saved. Parent observation remains the lesson record.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
PhET Interactive Simulations · Practice link — not the full lesson
Wave on a String
Before you open · source notes
Wave on a String supports hands-on exploration for Ray Diagrams & Images. Not every lab worksheet.
Free interactive page, no sign-in required for the tested path.
Before you openAsk the learner what they changed in the sim or page and what they observed.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public PhET Interactive Simulations page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt for this URL. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. An adult should preview and guide the learner.
PhET Interactive Simulations. “Wave on a String.” External page; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute materials.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Draws an accurate ray diagram for a plane mirror showing a virtual, upright, same-size image
- Draws a ray diagram for a converging lens to show image formation
- Uses a ray diagram to determine whether the image is real or virtual and which side of the lens it forms
- Applies ray diagram knowledge to explain how glasses, cameras, or projectors work
“If your child was asked to show on a diagram where their reflection appears to be when they look in a mirror, could they draw the correct ray paths and explain whether the image is real or virtual — and where it actually appears to be located?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Representational
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 12–13
Standards