Light and Shadows: What Makes a Dark Shadow?
Sim Lesson
Students use the Light and Shadows simulation to shine a light on two objects and compare the shadows they make. They observe that a solid object blocks light and makes a dark shadow, while an object they can see through lets light pass and makes only a faint shadow. Lesson Purpose Young students often think a shadow depends on an object's color or size rather than on whether the material blocks light. Comparing a solid object with a see-through one helps them connect a dark shadow to a material that blocks the light.
On a sunny day, some things make a shadow on the ground. Some things do not. Things you can see through do not make a dark shadow. When you shine a light on an object, what makes a dark shadow? In this lesson, you will use the Light and Shadows simulation. You will shine a light on different objects. Then you will look at the shadow each one makes on the wall.
Topics and standards: Science, Energy, Physics, Physical Science, Simulation, Waves, Light Energy, 1-PS4-3, Grades K-2, TEKS Science K.8.B, 3.2.1.C