Lesson 6
Shadows.
This is an investigation lesson; I will explain that scientists conduct investigations to find out how changing one thing affects another. The test must be fair so that the information gathered is accurate. This is called fair testing.
I will explain that things that can be changed are called variables. In any investigation there are number of possible variables, that is, lots of things that can be changed.
I will prepare a Shadow height: Investigation planner.
Some questioning for this could be:
What is the variable we are going to measure in this investigation?
What are some of the variables we could change that would affect the height of the shadow?
Are there any other things that could change the height of a shadow?
Which would be the easiest variable to test? Why?
What did you notice about the shadow heights?
What happened as you moved the torch further away from the eraser?
What does this tell you about shadow heights and their distance from a light source?
• Explore how different materials create different
shadows (size, shape, darkness).
• Relate the topic to shadow puppets.
Play a shadow game.
This game needs to be played outdoors.
It is a version of ‘Simon says’ with the teacher giving the instructions.
Have each student find their own space. Ask them to take note of their shadow.
You can call out a range of instructions, but here are some suggestions:
• Move to a place where you cannot see your shadow.
• Try to get away from your shadow.
• Turn your shadow into a ‘T’.
• Turn your shadow into an ‘O’.
• Make your shadow as small as possible.
• Make your shadow as large as possible.
The children can also play shadow tag where they try to catch another person’s shadow.
I will explain that things that can be changed are called variables. In any investigation there are number of possible variables, that is, lots of things that can be changed.
I will prepare a Shadow height: Investigation planner.
Some questioning for this could be:
What is the variable we are going to measure in this investigation?
What are some of the variables we could change that would affect the height of the shadow?
Are there any other things that could change the height of a shadow?
Which would be the easiest variable to test? Why?
What did you notice about the shadow heights?
What happened as you moved the torch further away from the eraser?
What does this tell you about shadow heights and their distance from a light source?
• Explore how different materials create different
shadows (size, shape, darkness).
• Relate the topic to shadow puppets.
Play a shadow game.
This game needs to be played outdoors.
It is a version of ‘Simon says’ with the teacher giving the instructions.
Have each student find their own space. Ask them to take note of their shadow.
You can call out a range of instructions, but here are some suggestions:
• Move to a place where you cannot see your shadow.
• Try to get away from your shadow.
• Turn your shadow into a ‘T’.
• Turn your shadow into an ‘O’.
• Make your shadow as small as possible.
• Make your shadow as large as possible.
The children can also play shadow tag where they try to catch another person’s shadow.
Refernces:
BBC-Ks2, Bitesize Science, 2013, Shadows. Retrieved 1st December 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/shadows/read/2/ >
Education Services Australia, 2013, Scootle Education,, Light and Reflection: Light Rays. Retrieved October 13trh 2013. http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L2041/index.html
Light fantastic, Primary Connections, Australian Academy of Science: Lesson 6, ‘Big shadow little shadow’
YouTube, Richard Bradshaw - Jim Henson's World, 2011. Retrieved 18th October 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-fmsVDFpTE&feature=related
BBC-Ks2, Bitesize Science, 2013, Shadows. Retrieved 1st December 2013. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/ks2/science/physical_processes/shadows/read/2/ >
Education Services Australia, 2013, Scootle Education,, Light and Reflection: Light Rays. Retrieved October 13trh 2013. http://www.scootle.edu.au/ec/viewing/L2041/index.html
Light fantastic, Primary Connections, Australian Academy of Science: Lesson 6, ‘Big shadow little shadow’
YouTube, Richard Bradshaw - Jim Henson's World, 2011. Retrieved 18th October 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-fmsVDFpTE&feature=related