Shadow Makers
Students will learn about the earth’s rotation and how shadows are made in this fun science lesson.
Lesson Created By: LauraWhitener
Grade(s):
- 1
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Smart board
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
White bulletin board paper, flashlights, black markers, assessment sheets (attached)
Lesson Progression
1. The teacher will start this lesson by watching the “Shifting Shadows” video attached in the lesson resources.
2. Next, the teacher will turn off all of the lights, and ask a student to stand in front of the room.
3. The teacher will turn on his/her flashlight and shine it towards the student (student facing the opposite direction).
4. The class will have a few minutes to share their observations with the class.
5. The teacher will then turn the classroom lights on and partner up students, give them 2 large white sheets of bulletin board paper, a flashlight, and a black marker.
6. The teacher will allow the lesson to be open-ended, and let students decide what to do with the materials given to them. If students are misguided, the teacher can scaffold them to make shadows and trace their partner's body (shadow) on the white paper, or students can trace shadows of other objects in the room they choose to use for discovery.
7. Then, the teacher will assess students by having them complete the shadow assessment (attached)