Five minutes together
Look. Wonder. Talk.
Our discovery: Identify light source, blocking object and shadow in their correct relationship.
Remember: Choose one comfortable way to notice or describe a detail. What do you already wonder about this picture?
Revisit that discoveryStart with the pictured flashlight, then find the object and the screen. Trace the light’s path and notice where the object blocks it. The discussion can stay entirely on the page. If you later try a flashlight activity, an adult should help and keep the light aimed at the screen, away from eyes.
Can you find the light, the object and the shadow? Tell me what you notice.
Start here
Follow the picture from flashlight to object to screen.
Explore further
Predict what might happen when the object moves, then compare the result.
Three questions to share
1What is the source of light here?
Answer cue: The flashlight.
2What makes the shadow appear?
Answer cue: The solid object blocks some light.
3Where can we see the shadow in the picture?
Answer cue: On the screen behind the object.
If your child is unsure: Let’s use one clue together. Follow the picture from flashlight to object to screen.
Something to try together
Move one shadow maker
You’ll need: An adult, cool flashlight, large opaque toy and clear wall.
- An adult sets a cool flashlight toward a wall, away from eyes. Put a large opaque toy between the light and wall.
- Keep the light and wall fixed. Predict, then move only the toy nearer the light or farther from it.
- Describe or draw the shadow before and after. Repeat the same change to check your observation.
What this can show
The object blocks light reaching part of the wall. Record the actual change; the drawn rays are a model, not visible sticks.
Return to it: When you notice another shadow, identify what supplies light and what blocks it.
Get the guide and discovery recordFor teachers · About 20 minutes
A small lesson with room to explore.
Learning aim: Identify light source, blocking object and shadow in their correct relationship.
Prepare: Read the poster, answer cues and misconception note. Prepare only the materials named in the activity; keep a picture-only or described option available.
- 3 min
Reconnect and wonder
What needs to be between a light and a screen to make this shadow? Invite an initial idea; record it without marking it right or wrong.
- 4 min
Look together
Follow the picture from flashlight to object to screen. Introduce light source using the poster.
- 8 min
Investigate or represent
Use “Move one shadow maker.” Let pairs take turns noticing and recording, with adult help and the activity’s stated boundaries.
- 5 min
Explain and return
Ask the core check: What needs to be between a light and a screen to make this shadow? Accept pointing, words, signing or a drawing. If the learner is ready, offer this optional extension: Predict what might happen when the object moves, then compare the result.
Check the idea together
What needs to be between a light and a screen to make this shadow?
What to listen for
A solid object between the flashlight and wall blocks some light, leaving a darker area on the wall. The object blocks light reaching part of the wall. Record the actual change; the drawn rays are a model, not visible sticks.
Accept pointing, speech, signing, a drawing or adult dictation. Describe the illustration and use labels/position as well as color. Offer one contrast first, and use the extension when the learner is ready.
