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ArtScienceStorytelling

Magic Shadow Show

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Grades K-230-45 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids build cutout characters and learn to control their shadows by moving a light source. It's a magical mix of art and light science that ends in a real shadow-puppet performance.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 10 minActivity: 40 min1 session~$3/groupOne table or a small area of floor spaceBeginner-friendly

Setup

Gather flashlights, cardboard, craft sticks and clear a small work surface. Read the Magic Shadow Show mission aloud, then place the supplies where children can choose and compare them safely.

Activity

  1. Predict how moving a flashlight closer or farther will change the size and shape of a shadow.
  2. Build cutout characters on craft sticks for a shadow-puppet story.
  3. Test different light positions and discover a shadow is too blurry or the wrong size, then adjust the light's distance and angle.
  4. Perform the finished shadow-puppet story for an audience behind the screen.

Done when: Children complete the core mission and the finished shadow-puppet story for an audience behind the screen.

Materials

A flashlight, a white sheet or paper screen, cardboard cutouts, craft sticks

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Predict how moving a flashlight closer or farther will change the size and shape of a shadow.
  2. Build cutout characters on craft sticks for a shadow-puppet story.
  3. Test different light positions and discover a shadow is too blurry or the wrong size, then adjust the light's distance and angle.
  4. Perform the finished shadow-puppet story for an audience behind the screen.

Standards it satisfies

  • NGSS · 1-PS4-2

    Make observations to construct an evidence-based account that objects can be seen only when illuminated.