Shadow Puppets

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In this activity, learners explore color, light and shadow by creating their own puppets to hold in front of a light source. Learners create the puppets using pre-cut black construction paper shapes and filling the holes with tissue paper/cellophane. Use this activity to introduce early learners to shadows, transparency, translucency, and opaqueness. This resource includes discussion questions for learner reflection.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 6
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Scissors
  • Black construction paper
  • Tissue paper
  • Colored cellophane
  • Popsicle sticks
  • Glue sticks
  • Flashlights or projector

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
    • Structure and Properties of Matter
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • About Inquiry
      • Asking Questions
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Invention and Innovation

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

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