Our kitchen table is usually filled with markers, paper, and LEGO. I looked over one afternoon and saw my son drawing shadows with whatever latest LEGO invention he had going on at the moment. I snapped a few photos to show just what a little boredom, observation, and creativity can do for an afternoon. This drawing shadows STEAM activity is perfect for unplugged play, and exploring shadows with young kids.
What Is A Shadow?
Many objects make shadows, including our bodies and LEGO blocks! Since light cannot pass through a solid object like LEGO, it creates a shadow. A shadow is simply a dark area which is made by an object coming between rays of light and the surface.
You will notice at different times of the day; shadows are different. Longer, shorter, or no shadow at all. So the size of the shadow depends on the angle of the light shining. We know the sun moves to different positions over the course of the day.
Can you find other things outside and inside that have shadows? What happens if light can pass through an object; is there still a shadow?
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Drawing LEGO Shadows
Supplies:
- LEGO
- markers or pencils
- paper
- sunlight or another source of light
Instructions:
STEP 1. Find a flat surface where you can set up your drawing area. Ensure the area is somewhat dim so that the shadows cast by the flashlight or lamp are clear.
STEP 2. Place a flashlight or a lamp on one side of the workspace. Alternatively, use the sunlight coming through a window. Adjust the angle of the light so that it points toward where you will place the LEGO.
STEP 3. Build your LEGO construction and place on the flat surface. Experiment with different positions to see how the light casts shadows onto the paper.
STEP 4. Lay a sheet of white paper next to the LEGO so that the shadows fall onto the paper. You can tape the paper down to keep it from moving if needed.
STEP 5. Turn on the flashlight or lamp if using. Adjust the angle and distance of the light source until you get distinct shadows of the LEGO on the paper and use pencils, crayons, or markers to trace the outlines of the shadows.
STEP 6. Explore and experiment by moving the light source to see how the shadows change. Discuss how the size and shape of the shadows change with different angles and distances. Experiment with different LEGO configurations and see how complex shapes create different shadow patterns.
I get really excited when he observes something cool and chooses to color! If you are looking for a neat, no fuss STEAM activity for kids to do, this is it! Plus you can get your kids drawing shadows with just about anything that casts shadows including themselves! In fact, you can make a human sundial out of drawing your kids shadows!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Easy Construction Paper LEGO Sun Prints
I didn’t realize how simple but engaging drawing shadows STEAM activity would be, so I had to join the fun.
More Fun Ways To Explore Shadows
Printable LEGO Brick Building Project Pack
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- 10O+ Brick theme learning activities in an e-book guide using the bricks you have on hand! Activities include literacy, math, science, art, STEM, and more!
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- Brick Building STEM Challenges and Task Cards keep kids busy! Includes animals, pirates, space, and monsters!
- Landmark Challenge Cards: Virtual tours and facts to get kids building and exploring the world.
- Habitat Challenge Cards: Take the challenge and build your own creative animals in their habitats
- Brick theme I-Spy and Bingo games are perfect for game day!
- Screen-free coding activities with a brick theme. Learn about algorithms and binary code!
- Explore mini-fig emotions and much more.
- A complete year of Brick themed seasonal and holiday challenges and task cards
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