Shadows and Light Investigation

Quick Answer

Shadows and Light Investigation is a printable preschool science resource for making shadows, comparing their sizes, testing materials, and exploring light with reusable shadow puppets. The resource includes picture vocabulary cards, visual prompts, observation sheets, and a teacher’s guide to help you prepare hands-on experiences for your group.

Description

Shadows and Light Investigation invites children to change a setup and watch the result. They can place objects between a flashlight and a wall or screen, move them, trace shadows, and compare how light passes through different materials.

The cutout puppets add a storytelling option while children continue exploring light and shadow. Picture references help make the setup easier to introduce.

The activity signs are reusable prompts to place beside real materials. Children investigate with the materials; they do not need to write answers on the signs. Full-page and half-page options let you choose a size that fits your table, tray, or classroom display.

Use this resource for science centers, small group investigations, classroom theme activities, or homeschool preschool. You can offer one setup at a time and return to familiar activities as children develop new questions.

What’s Inside

This resource includes:

• Shadows and Light Investigation display page

• Make a Shadow and Light Through Materials reference pages

• 12 picture word cards in four-per-page and two-per-page formats

• Six full-page and half-page activity signs: Make a Shadow, Big and Small Shadows, Shadow Puppets, Trace a Shadow, Test the Light, and Color and Light

• 12 cutout shadow puppets, six per page

• Half-page My Shadow Observation drawing sheet

• Teacher's guide with setup ideas

How to Use

Prepare a dim area with a flashlight, a pale wall or screen, and a few objects. Use Make a Shadow to introduce the arrangement. Invite children to move one part of the setup and notice what changes.

Compare shadow sizes, try tracing, or use the Test the Light and Color and Light signs with selected materials. Cut out the included puppets for repeated use. Keep the flashlight directed toward the setup rather than toward eyes.

Display a few picture word cards beside the materials, or laminate, hole-punch, and place them on a ring for children to flip through. Use the words during conversations about what children notice.

Offer the half-page observation sheets when children want to draw their discoveries. Writing is optional; an adult can record a child’s words. Follow the included teacher’s guide for setup ideas and adapt materials and supervision to your group.

Why It Works

Children have concrete materials and visible actions to connect with new ideas. Repeating an investigation gives them opportunities to compare results, describe changes, and try another approach.

This resource helps:

• Give children immediate results to compare

• Support predictions and material testing

• Develop size and position language

• Connect scientific exploration with puppet storytelling

• Support conversation and observation without requiring written answers

• Give teachers flexible visual prompts for different setups

Perfect For

• Preschool

• Pre-K

• Kindergarten readiness

• Science centers

• Small group investigations

• Light and shadow themes

• Physical science

• Shadow-puppet play

• Indoor investigations

• Homeschool preschool

Preschool Vibes Standards

• 5L. We can compare and measure using everyday language (longer/shorter, heavier/lighter, full/empty, holds more/less).

• 6A. We can observe using our senses and describe what we notice.

• 6C. We can make predictions about what might happen.

• 6D. We can test ideas and notice what happened.

• 6E. We can use simple tools and materials to explore (magnifiers, droppers, ramps, magnets, balance, light).

• 6F. We can compare and describe materials and their properties (hard/soft, heavy/light, float/sink, transparent/opaque).

Digital Download & Terms of Use

This is a digital download only. No physical product will be delivered.

This resource includes printable PDF pages. Investigation materials and tools shown in the activities are not included.

This resource is for personal and single-classroom use only. You may not resell, redistribute, share, upload, or claim this file as your own.

Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final.