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Observing How Shadows Change As the Earth Rotates |
Primary grade students can also be involved with the
project by observing how a shadow's length changes throughout the day.
From following the shadows throughout the day students notice how a
shadow length decreases toward mid-day and then increases in length after
mid-day, into the afternoon hours.
Students also notice how the direction the shadow points toward is always
opposite from the sun. |
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First thing to do is have the students organized into teams
where one member stands and has their shadow traced on the ground.
A good idea
is to trace the feet so that the student will stand in the same place for
making the next observation.
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After an hour return outside and have the shadow student stand in
their foot outline.
Have students trace this shadow on the ground.
Repeat this procedure throughout the day, hourly, so that students can
observe a more or less complete pattern of shadows. In particular have students
notice the shorter length at mid-day.
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| The mid-day shadow could be photographed and sent to the project.
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