Shadows & Time

This simple activity visually records the movement of the sun and the shadow it casts during various times in the day. 

Materials

• An object  (We went with an outdoor plant)
• Paper  (We used watercolour paper)
• Drawing tools (We used oil pastels)

Optional

• Watercolour paint
• Water
• Container
• Paint brush/tool

We always find these items helpful too:

• Smock
• Craft tray

Directions

• Chose a location that won’t be disturbed.  We went with the top of an outdoor picnic table.

• Position your paper and set your object in the centre.

• Using your pastel, outline the shadow that is created.  We used a different colour for each time that we did this so that the changes would be clearly indicated.

• We did this at specific times:  9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.  Do you notice anything about the pattern you have created?

Optional

• Don your smock.  Dilute your watercolour paint according to the directions on the package and apply a wash over your project.  Allow to dry overnight.

• Lightly write the date in the corner of your work and if you like add a small note of the time near each line or record this on the back.

• Pop your work into a frame.

Extensions

• Investigate:  How was the sun used to tell time?  How does a sun dial work?

Purpose

• Understanding that the sun moves throughout the sky during the day.
• Undertanding that the position of the sun affects where and how a shadow will be cast.

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you wear a smock and use a craft tray to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• When outside, be sure to wear proper sun protection: hat, sunscreen etc.
• We suggest that store your drawing tools inside in between recordings as they may melt depending on the material and the temperature where you live.