Shadow Investigation - Exploring the Relationship Between the Sun & Shadows

The first lesson in a series of lessons that explores how people began and continue to tell time on Earth. In this lesson, students build a simple gnoman, the piece of a sundial that creates a shadow. Throughout the day, students track the changes in length and direction of the shadow. After students analyze the relationship, they are asked to build an argument from evidence for how the Sun moves through the sky based on their investigation.

This lesson can be done in a variety of ways. I’ve included a 5-E lesson plan that outlines one way to complete this lesson, completing the procedure and gathering evidence using Guided Release, then completing the analysis as small groups. The lesson plan also includes a vocabulary list, preparation guide, and explanation for alignment However, this activity has a variety of ways it can be implemented, including in distance learning!

This is an ideal distance learning scientific investigation! Students can use materials from home. The procedure is simple enough to be followed with little guidance and is clarified with pictures.

This lesson comes with:

• An original worksheet, complete with illustrations to help students interpret the procedure.
• A modified version of the worksheet for students who benefit from word banks, sentences starters, and other strategies.

This lesson aligns to:

Next Generation Science Standards

5-ESS1-2 Represent data in graphical displays to reveal patterns of daily changes in length and direction of shadows, day and night, and the seasonal appearance of some stars in the night sky.

with emphasis on:

Science and Engineer Practice - Planning and Carrying Out Investigations; Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Disciplinary Core Idea - Earth and the Solar System
Crosscutting Concept - Patterns

Common Core State Standards
W5.1 - Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information

The 1-day lesson plan includes multiple learning approaches:

• Gradual Release of Responsibility to Build Student Skills
• Project Zero Thinking Routine
• Hands-On Learning Activity
• Informal Formative Assessment

Looking for more awesome activities for your students?

• Our Values & Science - Start Strong with a 5-Lesson SEL/Nature of Science Unit
• Patterns in Shadows - Creating/Comparing Graphs to Show Daily & Seasonal Change
• Patterns in Daylight Hours - Does DST Cause the Amount of Daylight to Change?
• Evidence for Earth's Rotation - Three Level Reading on the Nature of Science
• Time Zones & Daylight Savings Time - Cause-and-Effect History/Science Lesson