Shadow Tracing
All you need is a nice, sunny, lazy day, where you’re hanging out at the house, and a piece of chalk. This activity should start some interesting discussions as you note the hourly changes of your shadow. This can mean a trip to the library or some fun time Googling to learn the science behind it!
- Sidewalk chalk or regular chalk
- Paper, clipboard, and pen or pencil for recording observations (optional)
- Measuring tape (optional)
- Digital camera for recording your findings (optional)
- Timer, alarm, or clock (optional)
1. Designate your “shadow land” -- an area that will remain brightly lit throughout the day. Draw a line with chalk. This will be the place where the “shadow maker” will stand. You can trace the shadow maker's feet to make sure that you are always in the exact same location each time.
2. Set your timer to remind you every hour on the hour (or every 2 hours, if that is easier for your schedule).
3. If you want to make this into a scientific activity, then make notes every hour about the changes in length and width of your shadow from hour to hour.
1. Have your shadow maker stand on the marked spot and strike an easy-to-hold pose. Locate his or her shadow and have another member(s) of the team trace it with a piece of chalk. Try to stay as close to the outer edge of the shadow as possible.
2. If you wish, write down the exact time of day, and the measured height and width of the chalk outline. You can also photograph your results.
3. Wait an hour or two. Repeat the first two steps, and if you can, it’s fun to use a different colored piece of chalk. Make sure that the shadow maker always strikes the same pose as the initial pose.
4. Continue the activity throughout the day. Watch how the shadow figure changes.
1. Make sure the area you choose is open to the sun, without trees or other shadow-making objects to obscure your shadow.
2. If you only have a grassy area, consider laying down a tarp and paper (use the type of paper you can buy on a roll so that it’s long enough). Use markers instead of chalk.
3. Never look directly into the sun, it can be harmful to the eyes.
4. This project should raise questions about the sun, the earth’s movement, and other elements of nature. Google has some great sites to explain what’s happening or try your local library for a simple science/nature book.