What this lesson teaches
Children learn about light sources and how shadows are formed. This hands-on activity allows them to visualize the interaction of light and objects, bringing the concept of shadows to life in an engaging way.
Science in Action
Can you finish illuminate your shadow stories in about 30 min?
Illuminate Your Shadow Stories
You will children learn about light sources and how shadows are formed.
Duration30 min
Age GroupAges 7–8
DifficultyBeginner
SubjectScience
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What you need
How the activity runs
The learning connection
Using embodied cognition, children manipulate puppets and see how light angles affect shadows. This active involvement helps solidify their understanding of light sources while they observe the direct results of their actions, enhancing retention.
Try it with your learner
1. Gather a flashlight and some cardboard or thick paper. 2. Cut out simple shapes like animals or flowers from the cardboard. 3. Set up the flashlight in a dark room pointing towards a blank wall. 4. Hold the cutouts in front of the flashlight to create shadows on the wall. 5. Move the shapes closer and further to see how the shadows change. 6. Invite family members to guess what each shape is based on its shadow.