teaching resource

Science Experiment - Changing Shadows

Updated: 05 Dec 2025

Explore how shadows change throughout the day with this hands-on science experiment.

Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 6 Pages
Years: 5 - 6

Curriculum

VC2S6U08

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
VC2S6I01

With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict what the findings of an investigation might be based on previous experiences or general rules
VC2S6I02

With guidance, plan appropriate investigation types to answer questions or solve problems and use equipment, technologies and materials safely, identifying potential risks
VC2S6I04

Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to record, represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data
VC2S6I03

Equipment can be used to observe, generate, measure and record data with reasonable precision for repeated measurements, using digital tools as appropriate <ul> <li>recording data using standard units such as the volt, ampere, gram, second and metre, and developing the use of standard prefixes for metric units, such as ‘kilo-’ and ‘milli-’</li> <li>using digital tools such as digital thermometers and soil moisture probes to collect data over time, and recording data in spreadsheets</li> <li>discussing why precision is important in measurement, and comparing the precision of different class data sets, for example the growth of radish seeds in different soil environments and the length of shadows at different times of the day</li> </ul>

AC9S5U03

Identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted
AC9S5I01

Pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions
AC9S5I02

Plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct i
AC9S5I03

Use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S5I04

Construct and use appropriate representations, including tables, graphs and visual or physical models, to organise and process data and information and describe patterns, trends and relationships
AC9S6I01

Pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions
AC9S6I02

Plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct in
AC9S6I03

Use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S6I04

Construct and use appropriate representations, including tables, graphs and visual or physical models, to organise and process data and information and describe patterns, trends and relationships

teaching resource

Science Experiment - Changing Shadows

Updated: 05 Dec 2025

Explore how shadows change throughout the day with this hands-on science experiment.

Non-Editable: PDF
Pages: 6 Pages
Years: 5 - 6

Explore how shadows change throughout the day with this hands-on science experiment.

Light travels in a straight line. When an opaque object blocks its path, no light is able to pass through. This creates shadows. Some examples of opaque objects that create shadows are trees, buildings, cars… even people!

This Earth and Space Sciences experiment allows students to investigate whether shadows change throughout the day.

Students follow the scientific method to conduct the experiment, and they then complete the worksheets provided.

Curriculum

VC2S6U08

Light from a source forms shadows and can be absorbed, reflected and refracted
VC2S6I01

With guidance, pose questions to clarify practical problems or inform a scientific investigation, and predict what the findings of an investigation might be based on previous experiences or general rules
VC2S6I02

With guidance, plan appropriate investigation types to answer questions or solve problems and use equipment, technologies and materials safely, identifying potential risks
VC2S6I04

Construct and use a range of representations, including tables and graphs, to record, represent and describe observations, patterns or relationships in data
VC2S6I03

Equipment can be used to observe, generate, measure and record data with reasonable precision for repeated measurements, using digital tools as appropriate <ul> <li>recording data using standard units such as the volt, ampere, gram, second and metre, and developing the use of standard prefixes for metric units, such as ‘kilo-’ and ‘milli-’</li> <li>using digital tools such as digital thermometers and soil moisture probes to collect data over time, and recording data in spreadsheets</li> <li>discussing why precision is important in measurement, and comparing the precision of different class data sets, for example the growth of radish seeds in different soil environments and the length of shadows at different times of the day</li> </ul>

AC9S5U03

Identify sources of light, recognise that light travels in a straight path and describe how shadows are formed and light can be reflected and refracted
AC9S5I01

Pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions
AC9S5I02

Plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions, including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct i
AC9S5I03

Use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S5I04

Construct and use appropriate representations, including tables, graphs and visual or physical models, to organise and process data and information and describe patterns, trends and relationships
AC9S6I01

Pose investigable questions to identify patterns and test relationships and make reasoned predictions
AC9S6I02

Plan and conduct repeatable investigations to answer questions including, as appropriate, deciding the variables to be changed, measured and controlled in fair tests; describing potential risks; planning for the safe use of equipment and materials; and identifying required permissions to conduct in
AC9S6I03

Use equipment to observe, measure and record data with reasonable precision, using digital tools as appropriate
AC9S6I04

Construct and use appropriate representations, including tables, graphs and visual or physical models, to organise and process data and information and describe patterns, trends and relationships

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