“Shadows” explained in 4 pictures

Free printable Kids’ Encyclopedia

Young children understand that shadows are made when light is blocked by an object, and that their direction, shape, and length can change

A shadow is a place that looks dark.
When light hits an object, a shadow appears behind it.
Balls have shadows, and people have shadows too.

💬 What Is a Shadow?

A shadow is a place that looks dark. When light hits an object, a shadow appears behind it. Balls have shadows, and people have shadows too.

🤔 In this picture, where is the shadow?

When light comes from the right, the shadow appears on the left.
When light comes from the left, the shadow appears on the right.
A shadow appears on the opposite side of the light.

💬 Shadows Appear on the Opposite Side of the Light

When light comes from the right, the shadow appears on the left. When light comes from the left, the shadow appears on the right. A shadow appears on the opposite side of the light.

🤔 If you move the flashlight, which way will the shadow move?

The shadow of a round object looks round.
The shadow of a square object looks square.
The shape of a shadow is similar to the shape of the object.

💬 Let's Look at the Shapes of Shadows

The shadow of a round object looks round. The shadow of a square object looks square. The shape of a shadow is similar to the shape of the object.

🤔 If you open your hand, what shape will the shadow be?

When the sun is high, the shadow looks short.
When the sun is low, the shadow looks long.
A shadow's length is not always the same.

💬 The Length of a Shadow Changes

When the sun is high, the shadow looks short. When the sun is low, the shadow looks long. A shadow's length is not always the same.

🤔 Look at your own shadow in the morning or evening. Is it long or short?