Shadows

Introducing children to the science of shadows

Children are fascinated with shadows and sometimes a little afraid.  There are funny videos on the internet of children trying to run away from their shadows. Shadows can amuse children for hours as the make different shapes with their hands and bodies.  This session is a great session to explain to children how shadows work. 

Preparation: 

Make a shadow box from a cardboard box and tissue paper. Find the instructions here.
You will also need a strong torch or a desk lamp.
Consider making up your own story and making shadow puppets to do with the story

Science concepts/ experiments:

Use a torch and a tall object and demonstrate the following:

• Shadows are caused by an object blocking the light
• The place where the light can’t pass is called a shadow. Objects don't need to be solid to cast a shadow, but they have to be translucent. Show a shadow cast by tissue paper, some sheer fabric or a piece of plastic
• Shadows move because the light rays change direction. Show them how shadows change, move direction, get longer and shorter, by changing the position of a light source

Find out more about shadows and why they change here

Book suggestions:

Foggy foggy forest - Nick Sharratt
Smartycat: shadows - Jeanette Rowe
Shadow - Robie Harris
Goodnight gorilla - Peggy Rathmann (point out the shadows in the pictures)
At the zoo - Roger Priddy

OR: Make up your own story with shadow puppets and the shadow box

Craft suggestions:

Make shadow puppets using paper cut outs and taping them to sticks.
Let the children use the lightbox with their puppets.

Other useful resources: 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/shadows/read/1/