Physical Science · Light & Sound
Shadows & Light Direction
Move a flashlight around the same object. Observe how a shadow changes when the light comes from a new direction or distance.

Lesson plan
Shadows & Light Direction
A step-by-step guide to help you teach this lesson.
Plan with confidence
Lesson overview
What students will learn
- Observe that an object can make a shadow when it blocks light.
- Describe how moving the light source can change a shadow's direction or size.
Key science ideas
- A shadow forms where an object blocks light.
- When the light moves to a new side, the shadow can move to the other side.
- Moving a light closer or farther can change the shadow's size.
Lesson at a glance
- Grade 1
- 35 min
- ~8 min prep
- 6 materials
What’s included
- Lesson Plan
- Investigation
- Teacher Slides
- Printable Worksheet
- Teacher Answer Key
- Interactive Activity
- Vocabulary