What this lesson teaches
This activity allows children to observe how different shapes block light to create shadows. By manipulating objects, they learn about the properties of light and how shadows change based on distance and angle.
Science in Action
Can you finish discover shadows with puppets in about 30 min?
Discover Shadows with Puppets
You will this activity allows children to observe how different shapes block light to create shadows.
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 7–8
DifficultyBeginner
SubjectScience
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What you need
How the activity runs
The learning connection
Creating shadows offers a tangible representation of how light interacts with objects, leveraging embodied cognition to help children physically explore the concept. As they play with different puppets and light sources, they intuitively grasp how shadows are formed and transformed.
Try it with your learner
1. Gather a flashlight, a white wall, and various cut-out shapes (like animals or stars). 2. Set up the flashlight about 1 meter from the wall and turn it on. 3. Hold a cut-out shape in front of the flashlight and move it closer or farther from the light source. 4. Observe how the shadow size changes with distance. 5. Experiment with different shapes and see how their shadows look. 6. Create a short puppet show with your shapes and their shadows!