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Shadow Data Graphs

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Shadow Data Graphs

Evie and Kirra measured the shadow of the same upright post on a sunny day in Australia. Study their results, make a graph and use the evidence to explain the pattern. The measurements are an example dataset; never look directly at the Sun.

The measurements

The shadow pointed west at 9 am, south at 12 noon and east at 3 pm. Evie and Kirra recorded its length at each time.

Time

Shadow length (cm)

9 am

120

12 noon

40

3 pm

100

Read the results

1.Which time had the shortest shadow? Use the data to answer.
2.At which time was the shadow longest, and how long was it?
3.How many centimetres shorter was the shadow at noon than at 9 am? Show or explain how you worked it out.
4.Choose the description that best matches the measurements.
  • The shadow gets shorter towards noon, then longer by 3 pm.
  • The shadow gets longer at every measurement.
  • The shadow stays the same length all day.

Make a graph

Draw a bar graph of the shadow lengths. Label the horizontal axis “Time” and the vertical axis “Shadow length (cm)”. Use a scale that reaches at least 120 cm, then add a clear title.

5.Complete the pattern: In the morning the shadow pointed west. At noon it pointed south. By 3 pm it pointed .
6.Why does a post’s shadow change length and direction during the day? Choose the best explanation.
  • Earth rotates, so the Sun appears to move across the sky.
  • The Sun travels around Earth once each day.
  • The post changes its height during the day.
7.Use one piece of evidence from the measurements to support the idea that the shadow changed during the day.
8.A class measures the same post at 10 am and again at 11 am on a clear day. Predict what may happen to the shadow length, and explain your prediction.

2 printable pages

  • Shadow Data Graphs, page 1 of 2: The measurements, Read the results

    Page 1

  • Shadow Data Graphs, page 2 of 2: Make a graph

    Page 2

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