Light and Shadows for Kids: How Shadows Form and Change (Grade 4 Science)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Today we are exploring light and shadows. Where does a shadow come from, and why does it change shape and size? Let's find out together.

Light comes from a light source, like the Sun, a lamp or a candle. Light travels in straight lines. We see things when light bounces off them and goes into our eyes.

Light can pass through some things. Clear glass is transparent, so most light goes through. Wax paper is translucent, so some light gets through. Wood is opaque. It blocks the light.

A shadow forms when an opaque object blocks the light. The light cannot reach the space behind the object, so that space looks dark. A shadow is always on the side away from the light.

Shadows can change size. Move an object closer to the light, and its shadow gets bigger. Move it farther from the light, and the shadow gets smaller. Try it with a flashlight and your hand.

The Sun makes shadows too. In the morning and evening, the Sun is low in the sky, so shadows are long. At noon, the Sun is high overhead, so shadows are short. Shadows move as Earth turns.

Now it's your turn. You stand outside at lunchtime, and again just before sunset. When is your shadow longer? Pause and try. Just before sunset, because the Sun is low in the sky.

Great job! Remember, light travels in straight lines, opaque objects block light to make shadows, closer means a bigger shadow, and a low Sun makes long shadows. Practice light and shadows in the Science Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!