What this lesson teaches
This activity introduces the concept of shadows and light sources. Children will learn how different shapes block light to create shadows, enhancing their understanding of basic physics.
Can you finish shadow puppet playtime in about 30 min?
You will this activity introduces the concept of shadows and light sources.
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This activity introduces the concept of shadows and light sources. Children will learn how different shapes block light to create shadows, enhancing their understanding of basic physics.
By manipulating light and observing the outcomes in real-time, kids engage in embodied cognition. Creating their own puppets reinforces the idea of cause and effect as they see how varying shapes and distances affect shadow size.
1. Gather a flashlight and a blank wall or screen. 2. Cut out simple shapes like animals or flowers from cardboard. 3. Hold the flashlight at an angle towards the wall. 4. Position your cutouts between the flashlight and the wall to create shadows. 5. Experiment with moving the shapes closer and farther from the light. 6. Invite family members to guess what shapes you created based on their shadows!