Shadows Dance with the Sun

Exploring How Shadows Move Throughout the Day Grade 5 Science Investigation

What Do You Notice?

Think about your shadow when you walk outside Does it always look the same? When is it longest? Shortest? What makes shadows change?

What Creates Shadows?

Light travels in straight lines When light hits an object, it can't pass through The blocked light creates a dark area called a shadow The sun is our main source of light during the day

Shadow Investigation Setup

Find a sunny spot outside Place a stick or pencil upright in the ground Mark where the shadow falls Record the time We'll check back every hour!

Morning Shadows

In the morning, the sun is low in the eastern sky Shadows are long and point toward the west The lower the sun, the longer the shadow Shadows are cooler places to stand!

The Sun's Daily Journey

Midday Shadows

Around noon, the sun is highest in the sky Shadows are shortest at midday Shadows point almost straight down This is when it feels hottest outside

Shadow Changes Throughout the Day

{"left":"Morning: Long shadows pointing west\nMidday: Short shadows pointing down","right":"Evening: Long shadows pointing east\nThe sun's position controls shadow direction"}

Shadow Art Challenge

Use your body to make interesting shadows Try different poses and positions See how your shadow changes when you move Draw or trace some shadow shapes you create

Remember This!

The sun appears to move across the sky from east to west, but it's really Earth that's rotating. This daily rotation causes our shadows to dance and change throughout the day!