Transparent, Translucent & Opaque · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Transparent, translucent, or opaque?

Science · Waves, Light & Sound · ages 6-7
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Which word describes a material that blocks light from passing through it?

    • Transparent
    • Opaque
    • Translucent

  2. Which word describes a material you can see clearly through?

    • Transparent
    • Translucent
    • Opaque

  3. A translucent material gives a clear, sharp view through it.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. You predict that a thick wooden board is opaque. What should you do to check your prediction?

    • Test whether torch light passes through it.
    • Decide from its thickness without testing light.
    • Count its corners without testing light.

  5. Light passes through Mia's plastic sheet, but shapes behind it look blurry. How should she classify this sample?

    • Transparent
    • Opaque
    • Translucent

  6. Use these test results. How many samples are opaque?

    Glass: clear viewWax paper: glowCard: blocks light

    Answer: ______________

  7. A model torch shade should spread light without blocking it completely. Which material fits?

    • An opaque metal sheet
    • A clear plastic sheet
    • Frosted plastic

  8. Leo tests one sheet with a dim torch and another with a brighter torch. He says any difference comes only from the sheets. Which plan gives a fair comparison?

    • Move the torch farther away for the second sheet.
    • Use the same torch and positions for both sheets.
    • Use an even brighter torch for the second sheet.
LightMySky · lightmysky.comW1-mt_p6frRFuxS6-s1

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Transparent, translucent, or opaque? W1-mt_p6frRFuxS6-s1

  1. Opaque · Opaque materials block light from passing through them.
  2. Transparent · Transparent materials give a clear view through them, like clear window glass.
  3. False · A translucent material scatters light, giving an unclear view through it.
  4. Test whether torch light passes through it. · Check your prediction by testing whether light passes through the sample.
  5. Translucent · Light passes through, but the view is unclear. These clues fit a translucent material.
  6. 1 · Only the card blocks light passing through it. There is one opaque sample.
  7. Frosted plastic · Translucent frosted plastic lets light through and scatters it, fitting the shade's job.
  8. Use the same torch and positions for both sheets. · Changing both the sheet and torch can affect the result. Keep the torch and positions unchanged to compare only the sheets.
Worksheet · LightMySky