How do Shadows Work?
Driving Question |
I will learn to: |
How can I demonstrate understanding of how shadows are formed, how the shape of shadows are determined, and how shadows can change?
Project Summary |
1. Explain how light is needed to make objects visible.
2. Identify and compare sources of light. 3. Plan and carry out an investigation of shadows and how the distance from a light source affects the shadow. STEM Career Connection |
Shadows are all around us everyday, but they don't always look the same. You will investigate to understand why shadows of the same object can appear different on different days or different times of the day. You will present your findings to the class as part of a class website showing different structures and how their shadows changed.
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There are many jobs that use elements of light and shadows in their field. A couple of those are:
Environmental Scientist Artist |
Learn about Light and Shadows
Choose a Lego Education set to build
6. Flying Bird 7. Goal Kicker
10. Airplane Rescue 11. Giant Escape 12. Sailboat
Products and Rubrics
1. The SHAPE of a shadow.
Use the flashlight to create a shadow of your robot. Draw a diagram of what you see and label the light source, robot, and shadow.
Use the flashlight to create a shadow of your robot. Draw a diagram of what you see and label the light source, robot, and shadow.
- Where is your light source?
- Where is the robot?
- Where is the shadow?
- Does the shadow show all of the detail of your robot?
2. The SIZE of the shadow.
Use the data collection sheet to gather data about your robot's shadow with the light at different intervals - 1 foot, 2 feet, and 3 feet.
Use the data collection sheet to gather data about your robot's shadow with the light at different intervals - 1 foot, 2 feet, and 3 feet.
- Measure the length of the shadow using a tape measure. Record your data.
- Use the iPad to take a picture of each one.
- Draw a conclusion about how the distance between the light source and the object affects the size of the shadow.