GoalExplain how bright clothes, reflective things and lights help people to be seen at night.
New words
reflective · able to bounce back light, so it shines when a light falls on itsafe · not in dangerhead lamp · a small lamp worn on the head, so the hands are free
Explanation
At night, drivers and cyclists find it hard to see people. We can do things to be seen. A reflective vest or strip shines brightly when car lights fall on it. Pale clothes are easier to see than dark clothes. A cyclist can use a front light and a back light, and reflectors on the wheels. A torch or a head lamp makes light so we can see where we are going. Walk with an adult, hold their hand near roads, and use a safe crossing. Being seen helps keep us safe.
Worked examples
Omar walks to the shop in the evening with his dad. He wears a reflective vest, so that car drivers can see him.
Aisha rides her bike at dusk with her mum. The bike has a front light and a back light. They shine, so other people can see her.
Before sunrise, Kenji’s grandad walks down to his boat to go fishing. He wears a head lamp. It lights the path in front of him, and his hands are free to carry his net.
Class activity
Be seen test (with an adult): in a dim room or at dusk, ask a friend to stand 5 steps away in dark clothes. Then ask them to hold a reflective strip or a shiny object while you shine a torch on them. When can you see them better? Draw two pictures to show what you found. Do this indoors or in a garden, never near a road.
Practice
1
Why does a cyclist need lights at night?
So that she can see the road and so that other people can see her.
2
Which of these shines when car lights fall on it, so that drivers can see the wearer?
B, the reflective vest.
3
Which of these helps a person walking at night to see and be seen? Name one more thing that helps.
B, the torch. Also: a reflective vest or strip, pale or bright clothes, or a head lamp.
4
Why does Kenji’s grandad wear a head lamp and not hold a torch?
The head lamp gives him light to see the path, and his hands are free to carry things.
