The key to understanding shadows is to realize that the light source and object must be lined up in order to make a shadow appear. In fact, if the object is placed anywhere along that line, it will produce a shadow of the same length behind the object. It is only when you change the orientation of the light source that the shadow changes. But experiencing the connection of these fundamentals in a different arrangement is good for rooting our experiences more firmly. We've made a brief page about solar eclipses .
Solar eclipses are excellent examples of light and shadow.
This Thread invites Kindergartners through second graders to continue to think about light and shadow while using their bodies to make observations. This roots our experiences by relating them to ourselves, which is fitting for this age group. It engages students in manipulating objects with a focus in mind as well as exercising balance and movement skills which are good for this age group. Teachers of second graders should consider using the grade 2-4 version of this Thread. Everyone grab a marble or cube.