Shadows
Science: Year 3 & 4 National Curriculum, topic 4.1.4
Shadows
When light from a light source is blocked, it forms a shadow. If you are outside on the playground when the sun is shining, you can see your shadow.
Opaque materials
- Shadows are made when materials block light.
- Materials that block light are 'opaque'.
- Your body is opaque and blocks the light from the sun.
- The metal of a car body is another opaque material.
Transparent materials
- Transparent materials let enough light through so that we can see clearly through them.
- The glass windows of a house are transparent.
Translucent materials
- Translucent materials let some light through them, but not enough to see details.
- Tracing paper is translucent.
Changes in Shadows
You can make your shadow change on the playground by changing the shape of your body.
Changing your shadows
- You can make your shadow longer or shorter.
- You can also make your shadow look like something else.
- Can you make a shadow that looks like a teapot?
The size of shadows
- Make a shadow on the wall using a projector or a torch.
- Do not look directly into any bright light.
- Pick an object that is opaque. How can you change the size of the shadow without moving the light source?
Bigger/smaller shadows
- Moving the object closer to the light source will make the shadow bigger.
- Moving the object further away from the light source will make the shadow smaller.
Test yourself on Shadows
What is an opaque material?
How can you make a shadow bigger?