Let students participate in classroom experiments for ample engagement.
Getting students interested in science is easy with the right projects, activities and experiments. Engage young, curious but wandering minds with hands-on activities that require observation and independent thinking. Take children on a mini-field trip outdoors to use nature to understand the basics of shadows, how they're formed and why they're important.
Me and My Shadow
Me and My Shadow is a comprehensive set of lesson plans that allow the exploration of shadows, the way they work and their relevance. To begin, hold a class discussion exploring what students think a shadow is. Next, use wood craft sticks and note cards to make shadow puppets. An overhead projector works well for the illumination of this step. Attempt to find shadows inside as well as outdoors on the playground. Explain the differences? Explain what natural elements enable the shadows outdoors to exist. Compare sources of light and how they influence results. Record all details and observations. Tell the students not to look at the sun directly.
What Makes Shadows?
What Makes Shadows is a craft-oriented project that encourages young students to get to know their peers while working together to understand how shadows are created. Elements of their changing characteristics are also covered. To begin, instruct students to pick partners, or pair them up. Next, hold a class discussion and make notes on the board reflecting what students think a shadow is. Make a second list regarding what the students want to know about shadows. Send students outdoors and tell them to observe shadows and make drawings of what they view. You can opt to demonstrate outline a shadow indoors with the help of another student before venturing outside. Follow the outline of the student's form with your finger for emphasis. Tell your class to pay attention to the location of the light source as they observe and draw. Hand out chalk to all participants and instruct them to outline their partner's forms outdoors on the pavement. The final step is for kids to transfer these drawings to paper, adding detail for realistic effect back in the classroom.
Shadow Colors
Shadow Colors gives students a chance to play with the idea of shadows and learn that they not only come in black and white but also in apparent color. To make this project effective you will need access to a dark room, a white light, a red light and a white wall, sheet or huge piece of paper. It's best to make sure the white and red lights are the same wattage for the purpose of brightness. If this isn't possible, use a lamp shade to dim the brighter watt. To begin, make the room as dark as possible--then shine the white light onto the white space you've created. Instruct students to pay close attention to the changes as you place your hand between the light and the space. Keep students engaged by entertaining them with your best animal impersonations. Encourage kids to contribute their own shapes and require that they share at least three observations about what they are creating while in front of the class.
Tags: what students, class discussion, hold class, hold class discussion, Makes Shadows, Shadow Colors