How Are Shadows Made? Simple Explanation for 6-Year-Olds

What Is a Shadow?

A shadow is a dark shape that appears when something blocks the light. When light shines on an object, the object stops the light from passing through, and that makes a shadow on the surface behind it.

How Are Shadows Made?

• Step 1: There needs to be a light source, like the sun, a flashlight, or a lamp.
• Step 2: When the light shines, it travels in straight lines.
• Step 3: If an object is in the way of the light, it blocks some of the light rays.
• Step 4: Because the light can't get past the object, a dark area called a shadow appears on the other side of the object.

What Can Affect the Shadow?

The size and shape of the shadow can change depending on:

• How big the object is
• How close the object is to the light
• How far the object is from the surface where the shadow falls
• The angle of the light

Try It Yourself!

Stand outside on a sunny day and hold your hand in front of the ground. You will see your hand's shadow. Move your hand closer or farther from the ground and watch how the shadow changes!