Shadow Investigators

A hands-on physical science exploration where students investigate how shadows are formed, how they change, and what affects their size and shape.

Activity Overview

Shadow Investigators engages students in exploring the fascinating world of light and shadows through hands-on experimentation. Students discover how shadows are created when light is blocked by objects, investigate how shadows change throughout the day, and experiment with ways to alter shadow size and shape. This inquiry-based activity develops understanding of light behavior while encouraging scientific thinking and observation skills.

Learning Outcomes

Understand how shadows are formed when light is blocked
Observe how shadows change throughout the day
Investigate factors that affect shadow size and shape
Predict and test shadow changes
Develop vocabulary related to light and shadows
Practice scientific observation and recording skills
Connect shadow phenomena to everyday experiences

Curriculum Connections

Physical Science: Light and shadows

Properties of light
How shadows are formed
Factors affecting shadow characteristics

Scientific Inquiry: Prediction and experimentation

Making predictions about natural phenomena
Testing ideas through experimentation
Observing and recording changes over time

Implementation Steps

1Introduction and Shadow Hunt (15 minutes)

Begin by asking students what they know about shadows
Take a shadow walk around the classroom or outside
Have students find and point out different shadows
Discuss when and where they see shadows in daily life
Introduce key vocabulary: shadow, light, block, dark

2Shadow Creation Exploration (20 minutes)

Provide flashlights and various objects for each group
Students experiment with creating shadows on white paper
Try different objects: blocks, toys, hands, pencils
Observe what happens when light shines on objects
Discuss: "What do you need to make a shadow?"
Record observations through drawings

3Shadow Size Investigation (15 minutes)

Students predict: "How can we make shadows bigger or smaller?"
Test predictions by moving flashlight closer and farther
Move objects closer to and farther from the light
Trace shadow outlines to compare sizes
Discuss findings: What makes shadows change size?
Record discoveries in science journals

4Shadow Shape Experiments (15 minutes)

Explore how shadow shapes change with object position
Rotate objects to see different shadow shapes
Use shadow puppet templates for creative exploration
Try making hand shadows on the wall
Discuss: "Why do shadows have different shapes?"
Create shadow art by tracing interesting shapes

5Outdoor Shadow Tracking (Optional - 20 minutes)

If possible, go outside on a sunny day
Have students stand in the same spot and trace their shadows
Return later in the day to trace shadows again
Compare morning and afternoon shadow positions
Discuss why shadows move throughout the day
Connect to the sun's movement across the sky

Activity Variations

Shadow Theater

Create a shadow puppet theater where students tell stories using shadow puppets and explore narrative through shadows.

Shadow Art Gallery

Set up stations where students create shadow art by arranging objects and tracing their shadows.

Shadow Measurement

Use non-standard units to measure shadow lengths and compare shadows of different objects.

Multiple Light Sources

Experiment with multiple flashlights to create overlapping shadows and explore how multiple light sources affect shadows.

Differentiation Strategies

For Advanced Learners

Investigate shadows created by transparent and translucent materials
Explore how colored lights affect shadow appearance
Research sundials and how they use shadows to tell time
Create detailed diagrams showing light, object, and shadow relationships

For Students Needing Support

Start with large, simple objects that create clear shadows
Focus on basic concept: light + object = shadow
Use guided questioning to help make observations
Work with a partner for support and collaboration
Provide sentence starters for describing observations

Language Support

Provide vocabulary cards with pictures and words
Use gestures and demonstrations for shadow concepts
Allow drawing to show understanding instead of writing
Connect to shadow games from students' cultures

Assessment Rubric

Shadow Understanding

Excellent: Explains how shadows form and what affects them
Good: Understands basic shadow formation
Developing: Shows some understanding with support
Beginning: Needs significant guidance

Prediction and Testing

Excellent: Makes logical predictions and tests them systematically
Good: Makes some predictions and tests with guidance
Developing: Makes basic predictions with support
Beginning: Needs help making and testing predictions

Scientific Vocabulary

Excellent: Uses shadow vocabulary correctly and confidently
Good: Uses some shadow terms appropriately
Developing: Uses basic vocabulary with prompts
Beginning: Limited use of scientific terms

Materials and Safety

Essential Materials

Flashlights (one per small group)
Various objects for creating shadows
White paper or wall space for shadow projection
Chalk for outdoor shadow tracing
Shadow puppet templates (optional)
Science journals and pencils

Safety and Setup

Ensure flashlights have working batteries
Supervise flashlight use to prevent shining in eyes
Create clear workspace boundaries for each group
Have extra batteries available
Darken room partially for better shadow visibility

Materials and Safety

Essential Materials

Flashlights (one per small group)
Various objects for creating shadows
White paper or wall space for shadow projection
Chalk for outdoor shadow tracing
Shadow puppet templates (optional)
Science journals and pencils

Safety and Setup

Ensure flashlights have working batteries
Supervise flashlight use to prevent shining in eyes
Create clear workspace boundaries for each group
Have extra batteries available
Darken room partially for better shadow visibility