Introduction
Have you ever been outside on a sunny day and looked at the ground? You might notice a dark shape that looks like you and moves whenever you do. This is called a shadow, and it is created when light shines on an object, but cannot pass through it. Today, we will be learning about shadows, how they are made, and what we can use in our classroom to make them.
Task
The final product should look something like a handprint, and the purpose of the exercise is to
Process
The teacher will activate prior knowledge by mentioning the sundial experiment from the previous day, reminding students of how the Sun shining on the popsicle stick created a shadow.
Students will be divided into pairs to conduct the activity. One student will hold the flashlight behind their hand and spread their fingers, making sure the shadow is cast on the paper below. The other student will shade in the portion of the paper that the shadow is covering.
The students will reverse roles so that both may complete the shadowcasting and tracing portions of the activity.
Evaluation
The teacher will observe students performing the activity. Students who struggle with either shadowcasting or shading may need additional assistance to understand how and why shadows form.
Conclusion
The teacher will ask students to return to the carpet for whole-group review. The teacher may call on students to volunteer ideas about shadows:
- How were you able to make shadows using the flashlight and your hand?
- Why doesn't light shine through people?
- Why are shadows dark and not bright?
NOTE: This is a difficult concept for young children to grasp. Some of these questions may be a bit difficult for pre-kindergarten students. Be prepared to help answer these questions with a demonstration if students are having difficulty answering on their own.
Teacher Page
Missouri Early Learning Standard, Science, Earth and Space:
III.1.C. Explores properties of Earth and space; uses simple tools to explore Earth and space.