Just imagine what it would be like if it were dark all the time.

What is light?

Light allows you to see things.

The boy can see the flowers because light bounces off them and goes into his eyes.

Day lightDay light

It is easy to see during the day. Daylight comes from the Sun. The sun is a huge ball of fire a very long way away in space. The sun’s light is so bright we can see clearly. Sunlight can damage your eyes. Never look directly at it.

Darkness

It is dark at night because the sun is hidden. Some light comes from the moon and the stars. When there is no light, you cannot see anything.

Electric Light

We can make light using electricity. At night we switch on lights so that we can see. Light bulbs make a bright light. Televisions and computers use electricity to light up the screen.

Fire Light

When something burns it makes light. Candles and matches burn slowly but quite dimly. Fireworks make light too.

Comparing Light

Some lights are brighter than others. Click on the objects to find out how bright they are.

Dull

Very Bright

Bright

When light hits something it can bounce off this is called reflected light.

Reflected Light

Shiny things reflect more light than dull things.

Shiny things that reflect light are more easily seen in the dark.

Shadows

When an object blocks light, it makes a dark shadow. When the sun is out, you can see the shadow your body makes. Because light onlt travels in straight lines a shadow is the same shape as the object.

Can you make an interesting shadow?