make a Shadows & Time
This simple activity visually records the movement of the sun and the shadow it casts during various times in the day.
you'll need 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.
