Shadow Tracking from the Sun
The sun changing places in the sky affects the way that shadows are seen on the Earth's surface.
Location
Waverly, Iowa
Driving Question
- How does the sun affect the way we see things?
Probing Questions
- Why do shadows appear different sizes throughout the day?
- Is the shape of the shadow the same or different than the object that is making it?
- How can we make a shadow?
- Are there ways that we can track a shadow throughout the day?
Classroom Suggestions
Activities
- Measure where the sun is from a consistent spot at different times of the day
- Use chalk to trace and measure shadow movement
- Make sun catchers
- Estimate a person's height with shadows
Discussion
- Discuss the size of shadows throughout the day
- Discuss the impact of the sun on our daily lives
Relevant Related Resources
- Shadows - The Dr. Binocs Show: This video describes how shadows are formed and how they appear.
- How the Sun Affects the Earth - Kids Academy: This video describes how the sun affects the Earth at a Kindergarten level.
- Light & Shadows - Virtual STEM for Kids - Library Guides at Nova Southeastern University: This website has different experiments and observation activities for kids.
Iowa Core Alignment
K-PS3-1:Make observations to determine the effect of sunlight on Earth’s surface
Credit Info
Phenomena submitted by Kearstin Hansel and Alivia Brandhorst
Funding for Iowa Science Phenomena provided by:
