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    Home » Christmas Shadow Puppets

    Christmas Shadow Puppets

    November 11, 2020 By Emma Vanstone 7 Comments

    Shadows are formed when light cannot pass through an object. As light moves in a straight line, shadows are the same shape as the object making the shadow.

    To demonstrate this you can make shadow puppets. We made a Christmas tree puppet and some different shapes to put on the top.

    If this isn’t quite what you’re looking for try one of my other Christmas science experiments or festive STEM challenges!

    Christmas Shadow Puppets

    What you need

    • card
    • scissors
    • straws or lolly sticks
    • tape
    • torch or light
    • Pens
    • Glitter and sparkles

    Instructions

    Draw a tree shape onto some cardboard, and cut it out.

    Attach the tree to a lollypop stick or straw.

    Decorate if you wish.

    In a dark room hold the shadow puppet against a wall and shine the torch or a light at them.You should see the shadow on the wall.

    Large cardboard Christmas tree for a festive shadow puppet activity
    shadow of a Christmas tree and star shadow for a Christmas science activity

    Do you like our Christmas tree and star decorations?

    Try moving the puppet further from the wall to make the shadow bigger.

    Shadows – A Real Life Example

    Shadows are formed during an eclipse of the sun. An eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow over Earth. If the shadow blocks out all the light from the sun, it becomes dark during the day.

    More light experiments for kids

    I LOVE this colourful light box idea from Teach Beside Me.

    Make arrows change direction using just water and a glass. This cool trick uses refraction ( making light bend ). The water acts like a convex lens. It’s great fun and you can experiment with words and images which will reverse too!

    Light Refraction Experiment using water and arrows drawn on paper which change direction when placed behind  a glass of water

    Create a maze of light using a torch and mirrors! This could be set up as a challenge where children have to use a set number of mirrors to bend the light from a torch around a specific path.

    light maze
    Make Christmas shadow puppets to learn about light as a fun Christmas craft and science activity for kids

    Last Updated on November 18, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

    « Christmas LEGO Maze
    Christmas Science for Preschoolers »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      November 07, 2012 at 7:21 pm

      Such an inspiring idea! Thanks for posting them.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        November 09, 2012 at 7:40 pm

        Glad you like it!

        Reply
    2. Oliwierkowa Mama

      November 09, 2012 at 8:41 pm

      Great idea! Thank you for the inspiration.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        November 11, 2012 at 8:20 pm

        Thanks. x

        Reply
    3. Trisha @ Inspiration Laboratories

      November 17, 2012 at 3:09 am

      I love that you’ve combined shadow science with Christmas! Such a fun idea.

      Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Showcase. 🙂

      Reply
    4. maggy, red ted art

      November 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm

      Super cute. Love these. Such fun for dark winter nights.

      Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply

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