Unit 3F: Light and shadows Section 3: Sunlight and shadows
Objectives
Children should learn:
that shadows are formed when objects block light from the Sun
that shadows are similar in shape to the objects forming them
that shadows of objects in sunlight change over the course of the day
to make and record observations of shadows and to try to explain these using knowledge about light
Activities
Outcomes
Children:
On a bright sunny day visit the school grounds to observe shadows, possibly including those formed by clouds. Suggest children explore shadows of themselves in different positions eg standing, crouched down, with arms extended. Record some shadows (not of clouds) with chalk on the tarmac. Later in the day look to see if the shadows are in the same place and are the same size and shape. Talk about the shadows with the children and ask them to make drawings to show their observations and to describe what those show. Encourage children to try to explain how the shadows were formed.
identify eg in drawings that the shape of the shadow is like the shape of the object and is different at different times of day
explain that the light has been blocked by the object and this is what causes the shadow
Points to note
When children trace shadows it may be helpful to draw their attention to the fact that the shadow is 'joined' to the object (but not clouds).
Some children may draw 'faces' on their shadows. They need to be encouraged to look carefully at what they can actually see.
SAFETY - Warn children NEVER to look directly at the Sun. Blindness can result. See 'Be Safe' section 13.
This unit is divided into sections. Each section contains a sequence of
activities with related objectives and outcomes. You can view this unit by
moving through the sections or print/download the whole unit.
SAFETY - Warn children NEVER to look directly at the Sun. Blindness can result. See 'Be Safe' section 13.