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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.

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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