Math and science
Shape Detective
Count the circles, triangles and rectangles hiding in a robot, then build your own character from shapes.
Thinking sheet · Math and science
Shadow Tracker
Trace the shadow of the same object three times in one day and find out how and why it moves.
- Grades
- 1–5
- Time
- about 15 minutes
- Topic
- Math and science
- Kids practice
- sun and shadows, measuring length, recording over time
What kids do
“Your shadow moves all day long. Catch it three times!”
- My object (stand it in the same spot each time):
- Morning · time: ____
- Midday · time: ____
- Afternoon · time: ____
- Length:
- Length:
- Length:
- What happened to the shadow? Why?
How to run it
- Use a toy, a water bottle or a child standing on a chalk X.
- Mark where the sun is in each drawing.
- Measure with a ruler or with footsteps.
Talk about it
- When was the shadow shortest?
- Which way did it move?
- Could you tell the time from a shadow?
Take it further
Make a simple sundial with a pencil and a paper plate.
Pairs well with
Free for home and classroom use. Print as many copies as you need.
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