Exploring shadows
Here are some things to think about as we start the unit on shadows. Many of these questions can be answered by simple experiments that will only take a few minutes. Do some of them, and for the rest discuss with your group how you might do the experiment.
  1. Look in the kit to see if we remembered to pack any shadows. There should be at least one for each child in your classroom (they may be hard to find if you are opening your kit in the dark!)
  2. Here is a sketch showing a small yellow light bulb, a blue screen, and a purple object, which shows how a shadow is formed. What would happen to the shadow on the screen if the purple object moved farther from the light source and closer to the screen?
  3. How can a clear bottle full of water make a shadow?

As part of your discussion, write something in your notebook about what you learned, and any questions or problems you encountered. We will ask to see your journals at the end of the workshop. Keeping records along the way is part of the workshop assessment, as well as an important part of the learning process.

All done? Check the box! On to the first activity!