Have you ever noticed how the shadows change position throughout the day? Sunlight moves across the sky, casting shadows on the ground that shift and morph with each passing hour. A fun and educational way to explore this natural phenomenon is to embark on a cool project using sidewalk chalk. Not only is it a great outdoor activity for people of all ages, but it’s also an engaging way to learn about the sun’s movement and how it affects the world around us.
Materials Needed
- Sidewalk chalk (multiple colors)
- A sunny day
- An open space with a flat surface (sidewalk, driveway, or playground)
- A tall stationary object (tree, pole, or even a person)
- A watch or timer to track the time
- A notebook and pencils or camera to document your findings
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose a Location: Find an open space with a flat surface, like a sidewalk, driveway, or playground, where the sun will shine throughout the day. Make sure there is a tall stationary object nearby, such as a tree or a pole, that will cast a clear and visible shadow.
2. Morning Shadows: In the morning, around 9 or 10 am, use a piece of sidewalk chalk to trace the outline of the shadow cast by your chosen object. Write the time next to the outline, and use a different color for each hour, if possible.
3. Shadow Tracing: Set a timer and return to the location every hour to trace the shadow again. Be sure to use a new color for each hour and write the time next to each outline. As the day progresses, you’ll notice that the shadows change position, shape, and length.
4. Document Your Findings: Use a notebook or a camera to record the changes in the shadows throughout the day. Take pictures or make sketches of the different shadow positions, noting the time and color of the chalk used.
5. Analyze and Discuss: As the day comes to an end, observe the pattern of shadows you’ve created with your sidewalk chalk. Discuss with friends, family, or classmates how the sun’s movement in the sky affects the shadows on the ground. Why do the shadows change positions? What do you notice about the length of the shadows at different times of day?
6. Clean Up: Once you’ve completed your shadow tracing project, be sure to clean up your chalk markings to leave the area as you found it.
Sunset ReflectionsTracing shadows throughout the day with sidewalk chalk is an interactive and enjoyable way to explore the sun’s movement and its impact on our environment. This project encourages observation, creativity, and critical thinking while providing a fun outdoor activity for people of all ages. Don’t limit yourself to tracing just your tall stationary object. So many objects have such interesting shadows! Give it a try on a sunny day and discover the fascinating world of shadows and the wonders of nature.