This is a lesson I would do with infants based on the activity set The Sun and Shadows.
Materials:
Torch or a bright lamp (to represent the Sun)
Various objects (toys, blocks, and simple shapes)
Large white paper or a smooth surface for shadow tracing
Chalk or markers for tracing shadows
Introduction:
Start with a simple explanation of what the Sun is: The Sun is a big ball of light in the sky that gives us warmth and helps us see during the day.
Show students a torch or lamp and explain, Just like this light, the Sun makes shadows when something blocks it.
Demonstration:
In a dim room, shine a flashlight on a toy to create a shadow on the wall or a piece of paper.
Move the torch around and let the children observe how the shadow changes.
Explain in simple terms, When we put something in front of the light, it makes a shadow because the light can’t go through it.
Hands-on Activity: Shadow Play:
Provide children with various objects like toys or their hands to create shadows.
Let them experiment by holding objects close to and far from the light source, seeing how the shadows change size and shape.
Encourage them to make shapes or even shadow puppets with their hands and observe what happens to the shadows.
Outdoor Shadow Exploration:
Take the children outside on a sunny day.
Have them look for their own shadows. Ask, Can you find your shadow? What happens when you move?
Encourage them to notice how their shadow follows them and changes as they move.
Have children trace their shadow on the ground with chalk. Then, after some time, revisit the spot to observe how the shadow has moved or changed as the Sun moved in the sky.
Discussion and Reflection:
Gather the children together and ask them to share what they noticed about their shadows.
Simplify the concept by saying, When the Sun or a light shines on us, we make shadows because we block the light.
Reinforce the idea that shadows are just places where the light can’t reach.