Following a Shadow: A Simple Inquiry at School and Home
Marking a shadow at different times makes it possible to compare observations before settling on an explanation.
3 min read
For this inquiry, choose a safe spot, a steady object and a large sheet of paper or some chalk. On a bright day, observe the object’s shadow and trace its outline, noting the time and where you are standing.
Return to the same spot later and trace it again. Before explaining the difference, describe it: is the shadow longer or shorter? In which direction did it move? The questions begin with a comparison of visible marks.
At home, choose a potted plant near a window; at school, use a courtyard area with clear boundaries. An adult makes sure children never look directly at the Sun and stay away from traffic or unsafe places.
To keep observing and comparing details in nature, Flowers to Colour: A Colouring Book with 30 Large Drawings and Flower Names features flower illustrations with their Italian names.
One day does not tell the whole story. Clouds, season and the object’s position change the conditions. Keeping the drawings and repeating the activity another day helps separate what we observed from explanations still to be checked.
From the catalogue
Flowers to Colour: A Colouring Book with 30 Large Drawings and Flower Names
Thirty large, easy-to-colour flower illustrations with Italian flower names, combining creativity, observation and focus.
Buy on Amazon