Shadow Dance
Observing Shadows
This activity will allow for students to make their own sundials and observe shadows.
For Grades 2-5: Save 3 snapshots per day of the sundial at SundialWeb.htm. Save these images at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. for two days. Compare these snapshots and measure the shadow on each snapshot. Then answer the following questions. For more information on this activity, click here.
1) What causes a shadow?
2) Which time, (10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 2 p.m.) is the length of the shadow the longest?
3) Which time, (10 a.m., 12 p.m., or 2 p.m.) is the length of the shadow the shortest?
4) Does the shadow get longer or shorter after 12:00 p.m.?
5) Why does the shadow change throughout the day?
6) Can we predict a shadow's movement?
7) How does the shadow allow for us to tell what time of the day it is?
For more questions, click here.
For Grades 5-8: Follow the link below and complete the activity.