First Grade · Science · week 11

Shadows: blocking the light

Explain that a shadow forms when an object blocks light, and predict how its size changes with position.

A shadow is a dark shape that appears when something blocks light from reaching a surface. Light travels in straight lines, so when an object gets in the way, it leaves a dark patch behind it where the light could not reach.

You can control your own shadow. Moving closer to the light source makes your shadow bigger; moving farther away makes it smaller.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Dim the room and use one clear light source, such as a flashlight, so the shadow is crisp and easy to see.
  • Let your child move their hand around and predict the shadow size before looking, then check.
  • Try shadows with different objects, such as a book or a toy, to show that any object blocking light makes a shadow, not just hands.
  • Take a walk outside on a sunny day and look at real shadows to connect the indoor test to everyday life.
Talk about it:
  • What made the shadow appear on the wall?
  • What happened to your shadow when you moved closer to the light?
  • Where do you see shadows outside, and what is blocking the light each time?

Mastery looks like: They explain that a shadow is caused by an object blocking light, and correctly predict that moving closer to the light source makes a shadow bigger.

Common stumbles: Thinking the object "makes" the shadow rather than blocking existing light; confusing which direction of movement makes the shadow bigger versus smaller.

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