Shadow Drawing
Trace shadows cast by toys and objects for a unique art-meets-science activity. Easy and surprising results.
What You'll Need
- 1Paper
- 2Pencil or markers
- 3Small toys or objects
- 4Sunlight or flashlight
What You'll Need
Paper (large sheets work best)
Pencil or markers
Small toys, figurines, or interesting objects
Sunlight or a flashlight
How to Do It
Place the paper on the ground in sunlight (or shine a flashlight).
Stand an object on the paper so it casts a shadow.
Trace the shadow outline with a pencil.
Move the object and try again — the shadow changes!
Decorate the shadow tracings with colors and details.
Tips
Try this at different times of day — shadows change shape and size.
Use toy dinosaurs or animals for dramatic silhouettes.
This naturally leads to talking about how light works.
Age Adaptation Tips
Preschoolers can follow multi-step instructions. Ask open-ended questions and encourage them to predict what will happen next.
School-age kids can take more ownership. Let them lead the activity, experiment with variations, and explain what they learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: paper, pencil or markers, small toys or objects, sunlight or flashlight.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 3-5 years, 5-8 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors or outdoors?
This activity works great both indoors and outdoors, giving you flexibility based on the weather or your space.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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