Have you ever wondered how shadows change shape during the day? Let’s find out by exploring light and shadows with a fun tracing activity.
A Day in the Life of Our Shadows
K-12 Resource: Activity
Explore light and shadows with a fun tracing activity
Project Details
- Grade Level K–5
- Subject Science, Art
- Activity Type Observation, Making Models, Experimentation
About
Learning Objectives
Materials Needed
- Chalk
- Paper
- Pencil
- Found items (drinking glass, book, toy, etc.)
- Measuring tape
- Shadow Sketch Worksheet or journal
- Flashlight
Assignment
Get Ready
Get your chalk, notebook, and measuring tape, and team up with a friend or someone from your class.
Draw and Measure Your Shadow
In the morning, go outside with your class and find a sunny spot where you can see your shadow on the ground. With your partner(s), mark exactly where your feet are on the ground, then trace the outline of your shadow. After that, measure how tall your shadow is, and write down the height in your notebook.
Check back on your shadow in the afternoon and at the end of the day. Repeat the steps above, and trace how your shadow moves.
Think About It
Why do you think your shadow looks like this? Did the height of your shadow change? Compare your shadow with everyone in your group, and guess why this might be happening. Write down your hypothesis in your notebook.
Make a Model
Now, let’s try to understand this by making a small-scale model. Grab any 3-dimensional object you want in your class. Make sure it fits on a piece of paper. Put this object on a piece of paper, and get a light source. Shine your light source on your object from the left, the middle, and the top. Have a partner trace the shadow of the object at each point. How did the shadows change?
Test Different Materials
What happens to the shadow if you cover the light with glass, paper, or a book? What happens to the light, and why do you think this happens? Try to come up with some ideas.
Enjoy discovering the world of shadows!
Related Materials
Shadow Sketch Worksheet
PDF
Trace the shadow of your found object and note the location of the sun as it moves across the sky
Shapes and Shadows
Join Jessie and Jordan as they research a scary shadow
The Art of Shadow Puppetry
Ready to experiment with light and make fun shadows on your wall? Join Jordan and learn how to create a shadow puppet show using light and paper
Extensions
Want to go further? Create a story about your shadow! You can write it down, draw it, make shadow puppets, or use another way to show the day of your shadow. How does its shape change throughout the day, and what do you think your shadow feels about it?