teaching resource

Seeing Light - Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Materials Experiment

Updated: 15 May 2026

Explore samples of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials with an engaging Light Energy Experiment.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Year: 5

Curriculum

VC2S6U08

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
VC2S6I02

With guidance, plan appropriate investigation types to answer questions or solve problems and use equipment, technologies and materials safely, identifying potential risks
VC2S6I04

Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to record, represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data
VC2S6I03

Equipment can be used to observe, generate, measure and record data with reasonable precision for repeated measurements, using digital tools as appropriate <ul> <li>recording data using standard units such as the volt, ampere, gram, second and metre, and developing the use of standard prefixes for metric units, such as ‘kilo-’ and ‘milli-’</li> <li>using digital tools such as digital thermometers and soil moisture probes to collect data over time, and recording data in spreadsheets</li> <li>discussing why precision is important in measurement, and comparing the precision of different class data sets, for example the growth of radish seeds in different soil environments and the length of shadows at different times of the day</li> </ul>

teaching resource

Seeing Light - Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Materials Experiment

Updated: 15 May 2026

Explore samples of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials with an engaging Light Energy Experiment.

Editable: Google Slides
Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 1 Page
Year: 5

Explore samples of transparent, translucent, and opaque materials with an engaging Light Energy Experiment.

Exploring Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Materials Experiment

Help your students understand how light interacts with different materials using this hands‑on Exploring Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Materials experiment pack. Designed for upper‑elementary learners, this printable Light Experiment guides students through predicting, testing, and observing how light passes through a variety of everyday objects.

With clear instructions, simple materials, and a student‑friendly recording sheet, this experiment makes abstract concepts of light easy to understand. Students will practice predicting, testing,, and classifying different materials based on what they observe.

Predict and Test How Light Travels

This experiment pack walks students through a structured investigation that requires them to:

Make Predictions – Students examine each material sample and predict whether it will be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Test Each Material – Using a flashlight or other light source, students shine light through the samples and observe what happens.

Record Observations – Students note whether the material lets all, some, or no light through, and classify it accordingly.

Compare Results

When the experiment is complete, students will use the discussion sheet to reflect on their predictions, identify patterns, and discuss why different materials behave differently.

Download This Light Experiment Today!

This ready‑to‑print pack includes:

step‑by‑step instructions
prediction and observation tables
discussion prompts for before and after testing

It is available in both PDF and editable Slides formats. To get your copy, click the dropdown arrow on the download button and select your preferred file type.

This resource was created by Kendall Britnell, a teacher and Teach Starter collaborator.

More Engaging Light Energy Activities

If you’re building a full unit on light, you may also enjoy one of these light energy activities. Make sure you check them out before you go!

[resource:2069474] [resource:5198015] [resource:5202328]

Curriculum

VC2S6U08

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
VC2S6I02

With guidance, plan appropriate investigation types to answer questions or solve problems and use equipment, technologies and materials safely, identifying potential risks
VC2S6I04

Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to record, represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data
VC2S6I03

Equipment can be used to observe, generate, measure and record data with reasonable precision for repeated measurements, using digital tools as appropriate <ul> <li>recording data using standard units such as the volt, ampere, gram, second and metre, and developing the use of standard prefixes for metric units, such as ‘kilo-’ and ‘milli-’</li> <li>using digital tools such as digital thermometers and soil moisture probes to collect data over time, and recording data in spreadsheets</li> <li>discussing why precision is important in measurement, and comparing the precision of different class data sets, for example the growth of radish seeds in different soil environments and the length of shadows at different times of the day</li> </ul>

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