---
title: "Light & seeing in the dark"
description: "Observe that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated by a light source"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/light-and-seeing-in-the-dark-mt_4i-FKXDDXh
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/light-and-seeing-in-the-dark-mt_4i-FKXDDXh.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Light & seeing in the dark

Observe that objects in darkness can be seen only when illuminated by a light source

Subject: Science · Area: Waves, Light & Sound · Ages 6 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/light-and-seeing-in-the-dark-mt_4i-FKXDDXh

## Ready when they can

- Explain that we need light to see objects. Without any light source, it is completely dark.
- Describe an observation showing objects become visible only when light reaches them
- Distinguish between light sources (sun, torch, lamp) and objects that just reflect light

## Lesson: Light lets us see

You need light reaching your eyes to see. In total darkness, no light reaches your eyes from the objects around you, so you cannot see them. Looking harder does not create light.

*(drawing: A toy does not make light. You see it when reflected light reaches your eyes.)*

The Sun and switched-on lamps and torches make light. They are light sources. An ordinary chair or book reflects light. A lit torch can light a closed box from inside.

To check a pair of light sources, ask about both things. Each must make light. The Sun and a switched-on lamp both do. A mirror or ordinary wooden toy box reflects light; neither makes it.

Bright paint does not make light. Even a bright red ball needs light on it before reflected light can reach your eyes.

The Moon does not make the visible light we see from it. Sunlight reflects off its surface and reaches our eyes.

**Example.** Mia cannot see her toys in a room with no light at all. She switches on a lamp. Light reaches the toys, reflects off them and enters her eyes. Now she can see them.

**Recap.** You need light reaching your eyes to see. Light sources make light. Ordinary toys reflect it.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Light & sound vocabulary](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/light-and-sound-vocabulary-mt_YPSx5pbpVl)

## Opens up

- [Protecting Eyes from Sunlight](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/protecting-eyes-from-sunlight-mt_3yuqKww2tU)
- [Reflecting light](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/reflecting-light-mt_gLy3ZgZWiN)
- [Transparent, Translucent & Opaque](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/transparent-translucent-and-opaque-mt_p6frRFuxS6)
- [How energy travels around](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-energy-travels-around-mt_X_aDUBh-HF)
- [Communication with Light & Sound](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/communication-with-light-and-sound-mt_ZL9qVVnpwN)