Focusing light Additional material
v2.4
Practical activity to investigate the formation of an image using a convex lens -
teacher and technician notes
Purpose of activity
By undertaking this activity, it is intended that pupils will develop their substantive
knowledge of image formation and the concept that many rays of light are
reflected/emitted from each point of an object. Pupils will develop their disciplinary
knowledge of how much science knowledge is based on testing a prediction (hypothesis)
and is adapted in the light of new evidence.
Note about equipment
Lenses with a focal length of about 20 cm are appropriate, although other focal lengths
work well.
This investigation works best in a room that has been dimmed; complete blackout is not
necessary.
Equipment
● convex (converging) lens
● A4 plain paper
● something to fix paper temporarily to a wall
Method
1) Dim the lighting in the room and stick a sheet of paper onto the
wall opposite a window.
2) Use a convex lens to produce an image of the view outside the
window on the sheet of paper.
3) Predict what you think you will see when half the lens is
covered.
4) Explain why you think you will see this.
5) Cover half the lens with black paper and observe what happens.
6) Was your prediction and explanation correct?
Write an improved explanation for what you saw happen.
© Oak National Academy 2024. Produced in partnership with University of York Science Education Group.
Licensed on the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. See Oak terms & conditions. 1
Focusing light Additional material
Sample observation
view from a window the image formed by a convex lens
Sample answers
Prediction: With half the lens covered, the whole image will still be visible. It will still be inverted and
the size won’t change either. However, the image will be dimmer.
Explanation: Some light from every point on the object hits every part of the lens. All the rays that
pass through the lens from a single point on the object are focused to a single point on the screen,
forming the corresponding part of the image.
With half of the lens covered, only half of the rays from before can now get through the lens. So each
part of the image still forms, in exactly the same way as before, except from less light.
Health and safety
Pupils may be moving around in a dimmed room in which it is harder to see obstacles.
Risk assessment
A risk assessment should be completed before undertaking any science practical work or
demonstrations. The information outlined in this guidance contains advice for how to work
safely in and out of the classroom, however, risk assessments are the responsibility of the
individual school. Please contact a local or wider advisory service, such as CLEAPSS, on all
aspects of health and safety for further support.
© Oak National Academy 2024. Produced in partnership with University of York Science Education Group.
Licensed on the Open Government Licence v3.0, except where otherwise stated. See Oak terms & conditions. 2