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Information - Sunshine and Shadows: Teacher's Guide Unit Overview and Background Information
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SUNSHINE AND SHADOWSUnit OverviewSunshine
and Shadows allows students to explore shadows. Students will observe how
shadows form, how light effects objects, and how shadows change throughout the
day. Through the use of the skills of observing, communicating, and manipulating,
students will investigate the properties of shadows.SchedulingThis unit
may take from two to four weeks to complete depending upon the goals of the
teacher and interests of the students. Use of the section included in this
manual called More Ideas may extend the time span of this kit.Materials to be obtained locally:Please make
one student activity book for each student. (Please see PDF)
chart paperfelt tip
markerscup with
handle white
butcher paperpencil crayonmarker scissorscolored chalklarge piece
of cardboardglobe metric
rulerprojector Objects
around classroom (blocks, scissors, play animals, cars, etc)CautionRemind
students to wash their hands after handling any of the materials in the kit. Small
objects should be handled with care.About the FormatEach
learning experience is numbered and titled. Under each title is the objective
for the learning experience.Each
learning experience page has two parts. The first part lists materials,
preparations, basic skill processes, evaluation strategy, and vocabulary. The evaluation
strategy is for the teacher to use when judging the student’s understanding of
the learning experience.The second
part begins with a “Focus Question” which is typed in italicized print. The
purpose of the “Focus Question” is to guide the teacher’s instruction toward
the main idea of the learning experience. The “Focus Question” is not to be
answered by the students. The learning experience includes direction for
students, illustrations, and discussion questions. These discussion questions
can be used as a basis for class interaction.Background InformationShadowsA shadow
occurs when a light source is blocked. Opaque materials create dark shadows because
light cannot pass through an opaque object. Opaque materials can absorb and reflect
light. Aluminum foil, cardboard, and metal are all examples of opaque objects.Translucent
materials make shadows as well. However, translucent materials make lighter, less
solid-looking shadows because only some of the light is blocked. Examples of
translucent materials are waxed paper, tissue paper, and frosted glass. Light
is scattered through these objects so images cannot be clearly seen through
them.Transparent
objects allow light to pass through them. A clear window pane, cellophane, and plastic
wrap are all examples of transparent material. Transparent materials create
very light shadows because most of the light is not blocked.TimeAn
imaginary line or axis runs through the Earth from the North Pole to the South
Pole. The Earth rotates on this axis. It takes about 24 hours for the Earth to
make one complete rotation. This rotation causes day and night. When the Earth
is rotating, the part of the Earth that receives light from the sun is
experiencing daytime. However, as that same part of the Earth rotates away from
the sun it experiences nighttime. The sun appears to move in the sky, however,
the sun is stationary. It is the Earth’s rotation that causes the sun to rise
and set. As the Earth rotates, the position of the light hitting objects during
different times of day changes. Therefore shadows of objects change position
throughout the day.