Shadows are formed when light cannot pass through an object. As light moves in a straight line, shadows are the same shape as the object making the shadow.
To demonstrate this you can make shadow puppets. We made a Christmas tree puppet and some different shapes to put on the top.
What you need
- straws or lolly sticks
- torch or light
- Glitter and sparkles
What to do:
- Draw a tree shape onto some cardboard, and cut it out.
- Attach the tree to a lollypop stick or straw.
- Decorate if you wish.
- In a dark room hold the shadow puppet against a wall and shine the torch or a light at them.
- You should see the shadow on the wall.
Do you like our Christmas tree and star decorations?
Try moving the puppet further from the wall to make the shadow bigger.
A Real Life Example
Shadows are formed during an eclipse of the sun. An eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, casting a shadow over Earth. If the shadow blocks out all the light from the sun, it becomes dark during the day.