Shadow Catchers Teacher Guide K-2 Science Lesson
Shadow Catchers
Exploring Light, Blockers, and Silhouette Magic
45 Minutes
Teacher Lesson Guide
Lesson Overview
In this active, highly visual science lesson, students act as Shadow Detectives to explore how shadows are created. By blocking light with various objects, students discover the essential connection between a light source, a blocker (opaque object), and the resulting shadow.
Big Questions
Where do shadows come from?
What makes a shadow grow or shrink?
Can light go through everything?
Learning Objectives
1 Identify that a shadow is made when light is blocked by an object.
2 Predict and test which materials let light pass through or block it.
3 Observe how changing the position of a light source changes a shadow's size.
Material Checklist
Flashlights (1 per pair)
Toy Animals / Figures
Cardboard shapes
Clear plastic cups
White chart paper
Craft sticks & tape
Lesson Pacing & Activities
1. Warm-Up: The Mystery Shadow Game
10 Minutes
Turn off the main overhead classroom lights. Project a strong flashlight onto a blank wall or screen. Place a mystery object (like a toy dinosaur or key) in front of the light, displaying only its silhouette.
Script Ideas: "Shadow Detectives, look at this shape on the wall! What clues tell us what it is? Why can't we see its colors? What happens when I turn off my flashlight? Where did our shadow go?"
2. Direct Instruction: Light & Blockers
10 Minutes
Explain that light loves to travel in straight lines. When something gets in the way of light, it can't pass through. That dark space behind the blocker is a shadow !
Light Source: The flashlight, the sun, or classroom lamps.Blocker: Your body, a solid toy, or a book (introduce word opaque simply as "excellent light-blocker").Passer: Clear window, clear cup (introduce transparent as "light goes right through!").
Unit: Light & Sound Wonders Page 1 of 2
Shadow Catchers Facilitation
Pacing & Teacher Support
3. Guided Exploration: Shadow Detectives Lab
15 Minutes
Divide students into pairs. Provide each pair with a flashlight, a toy animal, a clear plastic cup, and a cardboard cutout. Guide them to complete the "Shadow Catchers Worksheet" together.
Student Tasks:
Make a shadow on the table using the toy.
Try making shadows with the clear cup (does it work?).
Move the flashlight closer to see if the shadow gets bigger or smaller.
Teacher Circulation:
Ensure flashlights are not pointed at eyes.
Help students measure shadows using finger-widths or standard rulers if older.
4. Reflection & Discussion
5 Minutes
Gather students back to the rug. Have a few student pairs demonstrate shadow creation on the main classroom board.
Key Discussion Questions:
"What happened when we shined the light through the clear plastic cup?" (The light passed right through, so no shadow!)
"How do we make our shadow grow super tall?" (Move the light source closer to the object!)
5. Wrap-Up & Exit Ticket
5 Minutes
Distribute the Shadow Catchers Exit Ticket . Read the questions aloud for kindergarten/1st graders. Have them circle their predictions and findings. Collect as a quick check for understanding.
Teacher Pro Tips & Management
Room Darkness: The room doesn't need to be pitch black! Just drawing blinds or turning off the overhead fluorescent lights is usually enough for modern classroom flashlights.
Differentiation: For advanced students, ask them to trace the shadow of an animal on paper and try to predict how the shadow changes shape if they tilt the flashlight. For struggling students, focus only on the main rule: Light + Blocker = Shadow .
Unit: Light & Sound Wonders Page 2 of 2
Shadow Catchers Slides K-2 Science Adventure
SHADOW
CATCHERS
Let's explore how light, objects, and darkness play together to make magic shapes!
Ready to solve the mystery?
Slide 1 of 6
What is Light?
Slide 2 of 6
Light is super fast energy! It travels in straight, flat lines like a laser beam.
It shines from Light Sources so we can see the wonderful world around us!
The Sun
Flashlight
Fire & Sparks
Lamps
Look around! What light sources do you see right now?
Mystery Shadows!
Slide 3 of 6
Mystery Screen 🦖
Can you guess the Shadow?
Something solid is blocking our light beam! Look at the outline. What animal is hiding?
A A Cute Cat
B A Dinosaur
C A Small Puppy
D A Little Bird
Hint: It has a tail, small arms, and lived millions of years ago!
The Shadow Recipe
Slide 4 of 6
1
Light Source
You need a powerful shine! A flashlight, the sun, or a lamp works great.
🔦
2
A Blocker
A solid object stands in the way and stops the light beams from going through.
🧸
3
The Shadow!
The dark shape created behind the blocker where light was not allowed to go!
👤
Light Beam + Object Blocker = Magical Shadow Shape!
Go-Through or Blocker?
Slide 5 of 6
Transparent (Go-Through)
Lets light pass right through!
Clear glass, clear plastic cups, water, and clear plastic wrap do not make good shadows because light goes right through them!
🥛 Result: No shadow!
Opaque (Blockers)
Blocks all light beams!
Wood, cardboard, books, your hand, and toys block the light completely.
📦 Result: Amazing dark shadows!
Can you think of one thing in your classroom that is a Blocker ?
Shadow Detectives Mission
Slide 6 of 6
Your Laboratory Instructions:
1
Get in pairs and grab your Shadow Detective Flashlight!
2
Test different objects on your worksheet (toy, paper cutout, clear cup).
Shadow Catchers Worksheet SHADOW DETECTIVE LAB
Classroom Science Investigation
Name: ______________________
Date: ____________
🕵️♂️
Mission: Find out where shadows come from, what blocks light, and how to change a shadow's size!
1 Part 1: Light Source Hunter
Which of these make light? Circle the three things that are light sources!
☀️ The Sun
🍎 Apple
🔦 Flashlight
✏️ Pencil
💡 Lightbulb
🧸 Teddy Bear
2 Part 2: Blocker or Passer?
Test each object with your partner's flashlight. Does it block light and make a shadow?
Test Object Is it solid? Does it make a shadow? 🦖 Toy Dinosaur Yes, solid! YES NO
|
| 🥛 Clear Cup | No, light goes through! |
YES NO
|
| 📦 Cardboard Shape | Yes, solid! |
YES NO
|
3 Part 3: Shadow Artist
Draw a huge shadow for the cute teddy bear! Make sure the shadow is dark and matches his shape!
🧸 Bear Blocker
Draw Giant Bear Shadow here:
Good Job, Shadow Detective! Next Gen Science Standard (K-PS3-1)
Shadow Catchers Exit Ticket 🔦
SHADOW DETECTIVE EXIT TICKET
Answer these quick questions!
Name: ______________________
1. What makes a shadow? Complete the rule:
Light Source + ___________________________ = Shadow!
A. Clear Window B. Solid Object (Blocker)
2. Draw your favorite shadow shape in this box!
Trace or draw inside!
K-2 Light Unit Ticket A
✂️ CUT HERE FOR TWO TICKETS
🔦
SHADOW DETECTIVE EXIT TICKET
Answer these quick questions!
Name: ______________________
1. What makes a shadow? Complete the rule:
Light Source + ___________________________ = Shadow!
A. Clear Window B. Solid Object (Blocker)
2. Draw your favorite shadow shape in this box!
Trace or draw inside!
K-2 Light Unit Ticket B
