Unit 3 - Shadow in Motion
Shadow in Motion
Understanding Shadows, Light, and Geometry Through Hands-On STEAM Activities
General Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, the students will learn and develop in the following areas:
- Understanding the characteristics and conditions for shadow formation.
- Relationship between geometric shapes and shadow size.
- Creativity development through the construction of characters and props for shadow theater.
- Enhance movement coordination and concentration through physical activities.
- Investigate the impact of light, materials, and distance on the formation of shadows.
Materials
- Light sources (e.g., mobile phones with lights, projectors)
- Transparent and opaque objects (e.g., bottles, glasses, bricks)
- Various transparent foils, black and white paper
- Cardboard, paper, scissors, wooden sticks, glue
- A larger box to represent the theater scene
- Mobile devices for shadow theater creation
- Pre-prepared scripts (e.g., The Three Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood)
- PDF slides for visual support.
Introduction
Start by introducing the concept of shadows. Use simple hand movements to demonstrate how shadows are formed. Ask the students to replicate these examples using their own hands in front of a light source. Explain the conditions needed for shadow creation, focusing on the properties of light, shadow, and penumbra.
Key Questions:
- How are shadows created?
- What affects the size and shape of a shadow?
- How do light-transmitting and non-transmitting materials impact shadow formation?
Activities:
1. Shadow Modeling (5 minutes):
Have students experiment with making shadow shapes using their hands. Encourage them to explore how changing the distance from the light source and altering angles affect shadow size and shape.
2. Exploration of Shadow Characteristics (60-70 minutes):
- Divide the students into groups:
- Group 1: Use transparent foil and different light intensities to study the influence of light on shadow visibility.
- Group 2: Create art installations by combining real objects with their shadows and drawings.
- After exploring shadow shapes and sizes, students can use a combination of geometric shapes (e.g., circle, cube, cuboid, cylinder, pyramid) and or other figures (dinosaur, car, dog, buildings, toys) to construct shadow models.
- Provide scripts for shadow theater, and have each group create characters and props based on the story assigned. Students will use cardboard, wooden sticks, and other materials to make the characters for the performance.
Discussion
- Discuss the formation of shadows and the different factors that affect shadow size and shape (e.g., the position and angle of the light source).
- Explore the scientific principles behind shadows and how they relate to the geometric shapes used in the shadow theater.
- Relate this to real-world examples of shadows in nature, such as how the position of the sun affects shadows during the day and year.
- Ask students to reflect on how different materials affect shadow formation (e.g., transparent vs. opaque objects).
Consolidation
- Group Presentations: In the final part of the lesson, the students perform the shadow theater using the props and characters they have created. They will use light sources such as mobile phones to project shadows onto a backdrop.
- Reflection: After the performance, encourage students to reflect on their experience working with shadows, what they learned about shadow creation, and how their understanding of light and geometry has changed.
- Homework: Students from each group will switch roles and complete the tasks of the opposite group (e.g., those who worked with transparent foil will now create art installations). They will record their work and upload it in video format.
STEPAM Components
- Science: Understanding the properties of light, shadow, and penumbra, and exploring the effects of transparency and opacity on shadow formation. Technology: Using mobile devices and projectors to create and manipulate shadows.
- Engineering: Constructing characters and props for the shadow theater using various materials and applying basic engineering skills.
- Physical Education: Engaging in coordination exercises and games that involve physical movement and shadow observation.
- Art: Designing and creating characters for the shadow theater, exploring creative ways to represent geometric shapes and light interactions.
- Mathematics: Investigating how geometric shapes impact the size and shape of shadows, measuring distances, and understanding how angles influence shadow projection.
