discover how light source, object, and distance affect the shadows'
shapes in the form of shadows by directing light source
light, distance from object, angle, and/or shape and note
differences to the shadow
the relationship of the objects, the light source, and the
Area or Standard:
light source (lamp, flash light, etc.)
pieces of paper that can be mounted on wall or layed on
or tape measures
of objects of different shapes and sizes
- Tape paper to wall or floor.
- Set up light source and angle so that it is shining toward
one of the sheets of paper.
- Place object between light source and paper and note distance
that object is from light source.
- Draw around shape that is projected on to the paper.
- Move the light source or the object, note the distance,
and draw shape.
- Compare the size of the shapes that were placed at different
- What happens to the size when the distance is increased?
When it is decreased?
- Does the shape itself change?
Assign one object to each student. Student works individually
with light source and places object at three different distances
from light source. Student creates a data table listing the
distance from light source and the measurements of the shape
at each distance point. Student states relationship between
distance, light source and dimensions of shadow.