Explore shadow science with a simple LEGO Halloween challenge! Build a classic LEGO ghost and add a spooky twist with a flashlight! A variety of basic bricks make this an easy build for LEGO fans of all ages and is particularly fun for the Halloween season. A dose of science through exploring shadows is a great addition to your Halloween STEM activities.
BUILD A LEGO HALLOWEEN GHOST
Easy LEGO ideas that are quick to build and fun to repeat. You can make a whole bunch of these LEGO ghosts, even if they are different colors!
💡 This LEGO ghost is a fun build featured in the LEGO Medium Creative Brick Box 10696. Please note, that I am an Amazon affiliate and do receive a commission from any items purchased.
Of course, you can use various bricks and make a similar design. I had to change out a few pieces based on the available bricks! However, I think a great benefit to building with LEGO for kids is the opportunity to problem-solve!
When you have finished building your ghost, grab a flashlight and see if you can make some shadows.
Exploring Shadows with LEGO Ghosts: A Simple Science Experiment
Shadows are a fun and easy way to explore the science of physics and light! For a shadow to appear, you need a light source, such as a flashlight or sunlight. Today, we’ll be using a flashlight to explore how shadows work with our LEGO ghost because it’s not sunny outside.
When you shine the light on your ghost, it blocks the light, casting a shadow on the wall. The light can’t pass through the solid LEGO bricks, which is why you see the shape of your ghost in shadow form!
But here’s something cool: if you use transparent or translucent bricks, the light can pass through, so those areas won’t cast a shadow. You might notice this with the ghost’s mouth or any clear bricks you use. Try experimenting with more translucent pieces and see how the shadow changes!
You can also play around with the position of your LEGO ghost. What happens when you move it closer to or farther from the wall? How does changing the angle affect the shape of the shadow? Test different setups and discover how light and shadows interact!
Build a LEGO Ghost
SUPPLIES:
- Five 1×2 bricks
- Two 1×1 bricks with eyes
- Two 2×4 plates
- One 2×6 plate (base of ghost)
- Five 2×2 slopes
- Two 2×3 inverted slopes
- One 2×4 curved slope
- Two flat 1×2 slopes ( I had to improvise!)
- Accessories for decorating
- Any piece to make a handle
- Flashlight
💡 Tip: Use a blend of whatever colors and shapes you have!
Tip: If you don’t have these eyes, try using 1×1 bricks with a side stud attachment and add either 1×1 flat eye studs or 1×1 round studs in a translucent color! Get creative!
LEGO GHOST INSTRUCTIONS
Build along with the pictures! Check out the shadow science when you have finished building your LEGO ghost!
While the bricks are out, make a Jack O’ Lantern too!
MORE FUN HALLOWEEN SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Check out our complete list of spooky Halloween science experiments for kids!
Printable Halloween STEM Activities Pack
150+ Pages of Halloween-Themed Materials!
This Halloween project pack is suitable for home, school, and group use for kids in grades Kindergarten through elementary but is scaleable for many ages and abilities.
