Sunshine and Shadows

Lesson Plan Day One

Teacher: Caroline Tolentino

Subject: Integrated Science and Math

Topic: Shadows Change Positions and Lengths

Grade Level: 3rd Grade

GLEs/ Standards:
Science GLES
5. Use a variety of methods and materials and multiple trials to investigate
ideas (observe, measure, accurately record data) (SI-E-A2)

9. Express data in a variety of ways by constructing illustrations, graphs,

charts, tables, concept maps, and oral and written explanations as
appropriate (SI-E-A5) (SI-E-B4)

56. Compare shadow direction and length at different times of day and year
(ESS-E-B4)

Math CCSS Standard

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.3.MD.B.3 Represent and interpret data.
Objectives:
In this lesson, students will be observing how a shadow changes its position due to
the movement of the sun. The following objectives will be met:
1. Students will record the changes in the position of a shadow from morning to
midday to afternoon.
2. Students will note the changes in the suns position in the sky during the course
of the day.
3. Graph the observed changes in the shadows position.
4. Create a PowerPoint presentation to summarize the observation findings and
to share the information with Kindergarten students.

Teaching Materials:
Each pair should have:
3 Different colored chalks
Pencil/ Pens
Shadow Length Observation
Sheet
Sunshine and Shadows Recording
Sheet

Compass
Camera or other electronic
device with camera
Meter Stick
Computer

Lesson Duration:
Observation- throughout the day
Data Collection and preparation of PowerPoint presentation- 90 minutes
Accommodations: Modifications and accommodations will be provided for students
with Special Needs and ESL learners by providing repeated directions, peer-tutoring,
and shortened assignments. Gifted students will be asked to assist other
students and will do further research about the topic.
Procedures:
Engage: Review the lesson about what are needed to make a shadow. Watch the
video Bear Shadow by Frank Asch. Ask the students why they think Bears shadow
was moving.
Explain: Ask the students: What is the light source for making shadows outside on
a sunny day? Explain that the sun is the primary light source outside during the
day. Discuss where the sun rises and where it sets, refer to the story Bear
Shadows and make an inference on the relationship of the suns position and the
position and length of a shadow throughout the day.
Explore: Ask the students to work with a partner to discover more about todays
lesson. Follow the instructions below:
You and your partner will conduct a research on how shadows are formed
by clicking on the links below to answer the questions:
How does the Sun create shadows on Earth? Sunhine and Shadows 1 Sunshine and Shadows 2
Why does a shadow change its position and its length? Shadow Changes
You and your partner will need to further investigate the mystery of
shadows on a sunny day to accurately gather clues about shadow positions
and lengths.
Along with the other observers in your class, you will go outside and find a
sunny spot on the concrete part of the basketball or tennis court of the
school. One of you will stand on the concrete (shadow maker) and the other
one will trace around your feet (shadow measurer), and later on trace and

measure your shadow. The shape of your feet will be your guide on where
to stand each time your shadow is measured. You should stick to your roles
for the entire observation period.
The shadow maker should stand facing North. The shadow measurer will
take a picture of the shadow and will measure the shadow length in
centimeters using a meter stick. Finally, look at the position of the Sun in
the sky. (IMPORTANT: NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN! IT WILL
DAMAGE YOUR EYES.) For each time you and your partner come out, the
shadow maker will stand on the traced feet while the shadow measurer will
trace the shadow and measure its length. You should use a different
colored chalk for the different times of the day you trace the shadow.
Note the color of the chalk you used each time you measure. Also, look at
the direction that the shadow is pointing at.
You will record your findings on the Sunshine and Shadows Shadow Length
Observation Sheet and Sunshine and Shadows Recording Sheet that can be
printed by clicking on the following: link 1 and link 2.
Elaborate: After recording the students observations and findings on the Sunshine
and Shadows Shadow Length Observation Page and Shadows Recording Sheet
together, ask students to discuss the findings with their partner. Have the
partners create a Bar Graph to show the data they have collected about shadow
positions and lengths, and the time of day. Use this link to make a Bar Graph.
Evaluate: Using students gathered data and findings, discuss what makes a shadow
during the day change its position and length. As a final activity, ask the students
to make a PowerPoint presentation to show what they now know and understand
about todays topic. Have each partner pair up with another pair, forming 4
students in one group to create the presentation. Tell the students that they will
use their presentation to teach kindergarten students about Sunshine and
Shadows. Use the rubric to grade the students work for this lesson.