Optics Project: Shadow Puppets

As we explained in our blog post titled 'Introduction to Optics', the study of light is commonly referred to as optical science. Making shadow puppets is a fun and creative way to experiment with lights and shadows. This project can be done using natural light or artificial light. Here is a list of materials you will need in order to make shadow puppets:

• Construction paper or cardboard
• Glue or tape
• Scissors
• Pencil or Pen
• Popsicle sticks or straws

First thing to do is decide what type of puppets shadow puppets you will make. Shadow puppets can be something as simple as basic shapes to more complex things like animals and people. If you are planning a shadow puppet show, decide what characters, shapes or objects you will be creating.

Next you will need to draw out your puppets on the construction paper or cardboard. It is a good idea to use paper that is hard or stiff in nature so will have nice sturdy shadow puppets. After you've drawn an outline of your puppet, use your scissors to cut it out. Carefully cut along the lines that you've drawn. The next step is to glue or tape the cut out to the Popsicle stick or straw.

You can add decorations to your creation for fun. Although decorations such as colors and glitter will not be visible in the shadow, it may be fun to do. You can also make more complex and creative puppets by cutting designs into your puppets. Cutting wholes, or shapes in your puppets allows light to shine through, creating a design.

Optics Art: Shadow Drawings

In our blog post titled "Introduction to Optics" we explained optics as the study of light. Optic science is the branch of physics that studies and attempts to explain the behaviors of light. There are many fun optic activities and projects for your child to do.

Tracing my shadow by Matthew Harris 

One fun and exciting art project is a shadow drawing. This should be done on a hard surface, such as a wall, table or floor. First you will need to decide on an object for your shadow. It can be an object you find around the house, a toy, or even your hand. Sometimes its nice to do facial silhouettes. If you have someone that can remain still long enough for you to trace the silhouette of their face, that would be great. Also, shadow puppets are always an option and would work well.

Next step is to secure the paper. You wanna make sure the paper will not move while you create your drawing. It depends on where you decide to do your drawing, but the paper can usually be secured with tape or pushpins.

Then, you will need to cast a shadow. A shadow needs to be visible on the paper for it to be drawn. This may take a little time. There are various ways to form a shadow. One way is to dim the lights. Depending on the time of day and if there is natural light shining through, a shadow may appear just by dimming the lights. The difficulty with using natural light to create shadows is that the shadow will move, stretch or fade as the sun rises and falls. You can also use flashlights to cast shadows. I suggest this method to ensure the stability of the shadow.

Once you've created your ideal shadow, you should secure the light source (flashlight, lamp, etc.). Make sure the light you are using is in a steady position. If it's a flashlight, it can be propped up against something or someone with a steady hand can hold it for you.

Once you have the paper secured and the light source steady, you can begin tracing the shadow. Trace around the outside of the shadow. When you're done, you'll have a shadow drawing. You can leave it as it is or you can add more detail. Sometimes its fun to color in the drawing, use scissors to cut it out, or even paint it.

Introduction to Optics

Shadow Ball by Marco Salamone on flickr

Did you know that when your child is playing with flashlights, he/she is studying physics? Even flicking the lights off and on to observe its functioning could be a way for your child to study lights. 

Optical science is the part of science that deals with characteristics of light. It is also one of the most relevant branches of physics, which studies and describes the behavior of light. So when your child observes how a light works, or studies the characteristics of lights, they are engaging in optic science. Optics is used in several fields including photography, some fields of engineering and astronomy. 

Photo by Dina on flickr

Optics is found and used in many things. You'll find the use of optics in various technologies and even household objects including lasers, mirrors, microscopes and telescopes. Giving your children access to some of these objects is not only fun, but its a way for them to study optical science. 

There are also many activities and projects to do with children in this area. Some ideas include shadow play, observing natural light, seeing how far certain lights reach (distance of light), reflection observation and dim to bright lighting. When you see your child observing or studying light, it may be a good idea to ask them questions. You could ask things like  "Is this light bright or dim?" or "Is the shadow big or small?" Another good idea would be to compare the sizes of different lights.

Interestingly enough, the human eye actually needs light to function. Light enters the eye, then travels through several parts of the eye, allowing us to see.

There are so many ways to engage your child in the study of light. Something as simple as your child gazing out of the window and 

Window Light by Bahman Farzad on flickr

observing natural light is optical science.They might be looking at how the streetlights create shadows on the ground or how the sun reflects its light in a puddle. Some things we do on an everyday basis is considered optics. So, when we are allowing our child to encounter these experiences, we are nurturing their inner scientist. Below is a partial list of activities and ways to engage your child in optic science. We will explore some of these activities in later blogs. Remember, while letting your child observe the properties of light, do not allow light too close to your child's eyes.

Shadow Play 
  Shadow puppet shows 
  Shadow objects 
  Shadow drawings
  Shadow dancing

Light Reflections 
  Reflecting light with mirrors 
  Reflecting colors 
  Reflecting light on foil