Reflection & Refraction
State the law of reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection) and explain refraction as the change in speed and direction when light crosses a boundary between two media; apply ray diagrams for plane mirrors and refracting surfaces
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Reflection & Refraction 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 Reflection & Refraction, add one harder example after success.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: examples tried; results; support used. This session samples Reflection & Refraction, 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 practiceReflection & Refraction practice
Practice key ideas from Reflection & Refraction.
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 Reflection & Refraction. 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
- States the law of reflection and applies it to draw a reflected ray correctly
- Draws a ray diagram for a plane mirror showing a virtual image
- Explains why a pencil looks bent in a glass of water using refraction
- Explains qualitatively why light bends towards the normal when entering a denser medium
“If your child put a straw in a glass of water and it looked bent at the surface, could they explain why that happens — drawing a diagram to show the path of light at the water’s surface?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Science
- Domain
- Waves, Light & Sound
- Age range
- Ages 11–12
Standards