WEWeekend Experiments
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DraftAges 3-520 min · Low mess · indoorlightart

Shadow Puppets

Light travels in straight lines; blocking it makes shadows you can shape and move.

The experience

Make animals with hands, grow and shrink shadows by moving closer or farther.

Steps

  1. 1

    Darken & aim

    Point light at a blank wall.

  2. 2

    Hand animals

    Try dog, bird, crab. Kid copies.

  3. 3

    Size play

    Move hands toward the light to make huge shadows.

Notes from home

Draft favorite for rainy evenings. Needs a better cut-out kit someday.

Stretch it

Trace shadows on big paper. Compare morning vs afternoon outdoor shadows.