Observe variations in shadow size through personal measurements and understand seasonal variations.
In teams, the children choose the shadow of a familiar building that they pass regularly and measure the shadow on the ground day after day.
Options:
- Choose just one in the playground and follow it as a group.
- In groups of two, the children choose their building and their shadow. In this case, we explain why the variations are not the same.
Variation: in winter, locate the place where the sun rises and note the movement (requires a remarkable object visible in the distance from the school).
Finished product: Sunrise photos
Duration of the activity: Over several days (NB: if the shade is large enough, two consecutive days are sufficient in September or March)
Subjects: Interdisciplinary project
Level: Primary school
Key messages:
- The Sun is not at the same height in the sky each day (declination)
- The Sun rises over the horizon at a different place every day
- Introduction of the degree, why there are 360 degrees to make a turn