DIY Project
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Science

Shadow tracing

Line up toy animals in the sun and trace their shadows with chalk, then come back later to see how the shadows moved.

Shadow tracing
LevelBeginner
AgesAges 3 to 5
Time30 minutes, plus a check later in the day
Cost$0 to $3
SummerSpringOutdoorsLow mess

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

How to make it

Safety

Use sunscreen and keep to a shaded break spot on hot days.

  1. Step 1: Find a sunny spot
    1

    Find a sunny spot

    Pick a sunny patch of sidewalk in the morning.

  2. Step 2: Stand up the toys
    2

    Stand up the toys

    Have your child line up the toys so each casts a clear shadow.

  3. Step 3: Trace the shadows
    3

    Trace the shadows

    Let them trace around each shadow with chalk.

  4. Step 4: Color them in
    4

    Color them in

    Fill in the shapes or add faces and patterns.

  5. Step 5: Check back later
    5

    Check back later

    Return after lunch with the toys in the same spots. The shadows moved.

  6. Step 6: Trace your own
    6

    Trace your own

    Trace each other's shadows too. Try making a tall shadow and a short one.

Edie's tip

Mark where each toy stood with a chalk X so you can put it back in the same spot.

Written by the DIY Project team. How we check · Report a mistake

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