Big Shadow Little Shadow
We are going to plan and conduct an investigation of the height of shadows.
Let's Review: What happens when light is blocked?
Why do shadows change in size? Are shadows always the same size as the object that makes them? Why can't you see your face in a shadow?
Let's Investigate:
'What happens to the height of the shadow when we change the distance from the torch to the glue stick?'
Which of these variables will be changed, measured or kept the same in this investigation? Why is it important to keep some things the same when conducting an investigation?
Fill out the first page of the Investigation Planner
We will read through the Big Shadow, Little Shadow Investigation Instructions as a class. Let's discuss how to use the Measurement Screen to measure the shadow and record results in the table. Assign roles/jobs to each member of the group (i.e. ruler position, torch angle, glue stick position, measurement marker, etc.)
Break into groups and work on your own investigation of the question.
Let's discuss observations and results.
As a class we will use the data to construct a graph. Discuss the purpose and features of a graph.
Let's look for patterns and relationships.
What does this graph tell us?
When was the shadow tallest/shortest?
Does the data in the graph reveal any patterns?
How did the height of the shadow change?
What did you notice about the position of the torch and the height of the shadow?
What do you predict will happen to the height of the shadow if the torch was 40cm away from the glue stick? 60cm away?
What can you say about shadows and light travelling in straight lines?
Work in groups to answer the Explaining Results questions in the Investigation Planner.
Reflect on your learning by answering the Evaluating the Investigation questions in the Investigation Planner.
Remember to update our Word Wall if needed - last page in our Weebly.
Let's Review: What happens when light is blocked?
Why do shadows change in size? Are shadows always the same size as the object that makes them? Why can't you see your face in a shadow?
Let's Investigate:
'What happens to the height of the shadow when we change the distance from the torch to the glue stick?'
Which of these variables will be changed, measured or kept the same in this investigation? Why is it important to keep some things the same when conducting an investigation?
Fill out the first page of the Investigation Planner
We will read through the Big Shadow, Little Shadow Investigation Instructions as a class. Let's discuss how to use the Measurement Screen to measure the shadow and record results in the table. Assign roles/jobs to each member of the group (i.e. ruler position, torch angle, glue stick position, measurement marker, etc.)
Break into groups and work on your own investigation of the question.
Let's discuss observations and results.
As a class we will use the data to construct a graph. Discuss the purpose and features of a graph.
Let's look for patterns and relationships.
What does this graph tell us?
When was the shadow tallest/shortest?
Does the data in the graph reveal any patterns?
How did the height of the shadow change?
What did you notice about the position of the torch and the height of the shadow?
What do you predict will happen to the height of the shadow if the torch was 40cm away from the glue stick? 60cm away?
What can you say about shadows and light travelling in straight lines?
Work in groups to answer the Explaining Results questions in the Investigation Planner.
Reflect on your learning by answering the Evaluating the Investigation questions in the Investigation Planner.
Remember to update our Word Wall if needed - last page in our Weebly.
Steps and questions to consider:
What are you going to investigate?
What will happen to a shadow if you take a light source behind its current point.
What do you predict will happen and why?
I predict that the shadow will enlarge itself [get bigger] as it is move closer.
What variables will we change to make the test fair?
Distance of the torch.
What variables will we measure?
The shadow hight.
What variables will we keep the same?
The height of the shadow
See example below:
What will happen to a shadow if you take a light source behind its current point.
What do you predict will happen and why?
I predict that the shadow will enlarge itself [get bigger] as it is move closer.
What variables will we change to make the test fair?
Distance of the torch.
What variables will we measure?
The shadow hight.
What variables will we keep the same?
The height of the shadow
See example below: