Science

How can you make a shadow bigger? Scientists investigate:

You will need paper, scissors, tape, a pencil or craft stick, and a flashlight or small light.

Draw a simple shape (circle, triangle, etc.) and cut it out. The shape should be about the size of a sticky note (it can be a little bigger or a little smaller).

• Use tape to attach the shape near the top of a pencil or stick.

• Shine the flashlight on your paper shape so you can see your shape's shadow.

• Think about:

  • How do you think you could make the shadow bigger? (Teacher/caregiver option: Share the "Shadow Size" probe with your students. Give students time to think about their experiences with shadows. Ask students to choose the response they agree with and share their thinking.)

• Make the room as dark as you can (don't worry if you can't block out all the light). Explore how to make the shadow larger or smaller.

• Think about:

  • What did you find out?

  • How has your thinking changed?

  • What happens when you move the flashlight closer to your paper? Farther away?

• Challenge: Make the largest shadow you can, then the smallest shadow.

Adapted from Learning About Light and Shadows, NSTA Daily Do