me and my shadow

teacher notes

Science Information

Shadows are formed when opaque objects come between a light source and the 'ground'. The relative position of the sun or light source affects the direction of the shadows it forms.

Useful Tip

Cellophane can be used to add colour to shadow puppets

Lesson 1 Teacher Notes

Can you make your shadow big or small?
Can you hide your shadow?
Can you make your shadow touch another shadow without bodies touching?
Can you make your shadow point different directions?
Can you make your shadow not touch your feet?
Work with a partner to make shadow monsters (2 heads, 4 arms, etc)
Ask children to think of more instructions.

Lesson 3 Teacher Notes

Science Information:
Where a room has more than one light, children may notice multiple shadows are formed.
Discuss how the position and number of light sources impacts on the shadow(s) formed. Relate this to changes in shadows outside and discuss why shadows change during the day.

Lesson 4 Teacher Notes

Sometimes children's drawings do not place the shadow correctly in terms of position of object at light sources. For example, they may connect the shadow's head to the person's feet. These anomalies become more apparent when children try to accurately recreate their drawings in demonstration.
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