Shadow Puppets

A shadow is formed when an object blocks the light, so it needs to be opaque or translucent. If something is transparent it will not cast a shadow as the light will pass straight through. 

The first thing that we are going to do is set up our light or torch next to a wall or background so that you have somewhere to see your shadow puppets. We are then going to cut a shape out of card and attach a lolly stick to the back of it with tape so that you can hold it 

Now if you put your card shape in front of the light then you will see the shadow on the wall behind. Try moving your shape closer or further away from the light and see what happens. Does the shadow get bigger or smaller?

Try moving your light closer or further away and see how this changes the shape of your shadow. Does the shadow get bigger or smaller?

Once you have had a play with a basic shape you can try drawing and cutting out some other shapes out of the card. If you mount them on to lolly sticks, then you have something to hold so that you can move them. You can try making your own puppet show. If you have some split pins at home, you could even try making some moving puppets.

The video tutorial for this activity is available to watch on the Surrey Libraries Facebook Page or the Surrey Libraries YouTube Channel