Why do shadows have the same shape as objects that cast them? - Presentation

This educational presentation is designed to deepen Year 3 pupils' understanding of shadows, building on their prior knowledge from earlier studies. The content is concise and interactive, focusing on the practical exploration of shadows through the use of shadow puppets. Pupils are encouraged to examine a variety of shadow puppet examples and discuss with their partners which designs they find most effective. Following this, they are tasked with creating their own shadow puppets, which allows them to engage with the concept of shadows in a hands-on manner. The activity culminates with pupils articulating their understanding of why shadows occur and why they mirror the shape of the objects that cast them.

The presentation also includes a segment on hand shadows, where pupils are shown examples of hand shadows projected onto a wall. They are invited to experiment by making their own hand shadows, while their partner captures photographs of their attempts. This visual and collaborative approach helps to reinforce the learning objectives. Finally, pupils are asked to describe in their own words the process of shadow formation and to explain the reasons behind the shadow's shape. This encourages pupils to reflect on their observations and to express their comprehension of the relationship between light, objects, and the shadows they cast.