Move the torch and follow the shadow's direction

Leave the card figure in one place and change where the torch shines from. The resulting shadow positions make the light-object relationship visible without requiring children to infer it from a static diagram.

Lighting from the left places the shadow on the opposite side.

Mark where the light was for each outline

Place the figure centrally. Move the torch around it. Mark shadow directions.

Keep the object still while changing the light position. This makes the relationship easier to observe and describe.

Use a torch rather than direct sunlight. Where is the light relative to the shadow?

Use arrow labels.

Resources

• Torch investigation – Light and Shadow Major Activity — Follow the torch activity when investigating projected light and shadows.

Further reading

• CSIRO — inquiry and explicit teaching

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