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    Home » Early Years Science » Preschool Science » Fun with shadows

    Fun with shadows

    October 19, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 2 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.

    What you need

    • card
    • scissors
    • straws or lolly sticks
    • tape
    • torch or light
    • Pens

    What to do:

    • Draw some shapes onto some cardboard, and cut them out.
    • Attach the shape to a lollypop stick or straw.
    • Decorate if you wish. We made a butterfly and decorated with glitter, using pipe cleaners and little balls for the antennae.
    • 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.

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

    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.

    For younger children you could also read ‘The Gruffalo’s Child’ where the mouse makes a shadow of himself to scare the Gruffalo.

    Other ideas

    How about making some themed  puppets like these Christmas shadow puppets.

    Can you make lots of small puppets and make up a story? Or act out a story you’ve read?

    Last Updated on January 19, 2015 by Emma Vanstone

    « How tall is a tree?
    Fun with pumpkins »

    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. Deborah

      October 19, 2012 at 7:11 pm

      Shadow play is such a great cross curricular idea! From fostering puppetry and story telling to the scientific aspects you have shared! Love it!

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        October 20, 2012 at 6:46 am

        Thank you. The simple things are so much fun!

        Reply

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