Year 3 Physical processes worksheets
Sources of light
Look at these picture cards. Can you sort them into two groups – those that are sources of light and those that are not?
Make your own sundial
A sundial tells the time by using the position of the sun. This is how it works: the sun casts a shadow onto a surface marked with lines indicating the hours of the day. As the sun moves across the sky
the shadow aligns with different hour-lines. Do you think you can make your own sundial?
the shadow aligns with different hour-lines. Do you think you can make your own sundial?
Magnets investigation
Magnets come in all shapes and sizes; they also vary in strength. This experiment will test the magnetic force of a variety of different magnets.
Magnetism explained
How do you find your way around? Do you use maps? A satellite navigation system? Could you use a compass to direct you instead? A compass works using magnetism – the needle in the compass points
towards the magnetic north. This helps us to find our way around. In this activity you are going to make your own simple compass!
towards the magnetic north. This helps us to find our way around. In this activity you are going to make your own simple compass!
Magnetic maze
Mix some paper clips up with some rice and put them in a closed, see-through plastic container. Using a magnet, how long does it take you to separate the paper clips from the rice without opening the container? Now set up a maze made of cardboard. Can you guide a magnetic ball or marble through the maze from the outside of box, using your magnet?
Magnetic magic trick
Find a glass jar. Put a selection of magnetic and non-magnetic materials inside. Close the jar and then, using your magnet, see if you can separate the magnetic materials without opening the jar.
Light and shadows true or false
Look at these statements about light and shadows. Can you sort them into those that are true and those that are false?
Investigate shadows
Be a shadow detective! Place an object outside and record how the height and width of the shadow cast by the object changes throughout the day. Record them on this sheet.
Understanding light reflection: Build your own periscope
Mirrors change the direction of light and reflect it. We can demonstrate this practically by making a periscope. Light is reflected from one object into a mirror and then onto the other mirror before reaching your eyes. Collect your materials and find out for yourself!
Understanding friction: Build your own balloon hovercraft
When a moving surface slides on a stationary surface it rubs against it, which slows it down. This is due to friction, a force which resists the movement of one object sliding past another. Understand more about friction with a fantastic practical project: make your own balloon hovercraft!
Shadow puppet theatre
Cut out these dragon, fairy and owl shadow puppets to use in storytelling, while also learning about the properties of light and dark when a light source is blocked by an object.
How are magnets used
A worksheet to encourage children to think about objects and whether they use magnets.
Investigate rock properties
Worksheet encouraging children to think about the properties of different rocks.
Light and dark vocabulary
On this worksheet, children need to match the words 'transparent', 'translucent', 'opaque' and 'shadow' with the correct definitions.
Light and shadows facts
This worksheet gives facts about light and shadows that children need to read and then work out whether they think they are true or false.
Magnets quiz
Questions about magnets for children to think about and / or research.
Rocks and soil facts
This worksheet encourages children to read through the list of statements about rocks and soils and then decide whether they are true or false.
What do you know about light?
A worksheet with half-sentences about light, to cut out and re-arrange so that they make sense.
Investigate the principles of forces
This worksheet will help your child experience the basic principles of forces such as pushing/pulling, gravity, and friction.
Understanding physical processes
This worksheet will help your child to use first-hand experience to answer questions and to recognise that when things speed up, slow down or change direction, there is a cause.