Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
This is a lesson I did many years ago while completing TP!
Inquiry-Based Lesson: Shadows and Weather (Junior/Senior Infants)
Topic: Shadows and Weather: How does light and weather affect shadows?Firstly we talked about shadows. To show the shadow I used a torch, a toy car, duplo block, a doll, a teddy and my hand in a dimmed classroom. The blinds were closed to make the room darker so the shadow could be seen clearly. The children watched how the shadow appeared and talked about what they noticed. They loved the dark classroom!
Then I put the children into pairs and they used torches and different classroom objects to make shadows. We explored what happened when they moved the torch closer or further away and when they changed the position of the object.
I explained that light is needed to make a shadow and clouds or sunlight outside can affect how clear shadows are.
Then we had a group discussion at the end. They all shared one thing they learned about shadows and light. They talked about when shadows were strong or weak and what changed them.
Then the children took part in a shadow matching game and for art we made simple shadow puppets using paper and sticks.
I really liked your activity and lesson and it is very suitable for Junior classes. It is hands-on and connects with children’s everyday experiences. The group work and teddy extension (my two boys are in Senior Infants and they love teddy bear picnics in school!) make the investigation fun, engaging, and easy for all children to participate in. A great idea!