Follow the light
Light follows straight paths in this model. An opaque object blocks some of those paths.
Shadow Playground
Move a light and an object to explore how straight light paths create shadows.
Grades 3–5 · Physics
Your goal
Make the full shadow 80 units tall, within 1 unit.
Reduced motion is on. The controls still update the scene.
The full shadow is 60.0 units tall, 2.00 times the object's height. It fits on the screen.
This simplified model uses a point lamp and straight rays. Real wide lamps can make softer shadow edges. Full height can extend beyond the screen.
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Learn with Shadow Playground
Shadow Playground helps children discover how the positions of a light source and an object affect a shadow on a screen. Move the light or object, predict how the shadow will change, and follow the straight light rays through the scene. The activity connects distance and shadow size through a clear geometric model. Elementary students can compare arrangements, notice when part of a shadow falls beyond the screen, and explain how an opaque object blocks light.
What to look for
Move the object
Changing the distance from the light changes the size of the shadow on the screen.
Watch the screen
The screen can show only the part of a shadow that lands within its edges.
For teachers and curious learners
Relate light and object positions to shadow size. Ask students to predict what will happen, change one setting, and explain what they observe. Learn gives a starting point. Practice and Challenge offer new goals with the same scene.
A single point light illuminates a flat opaque object and screen. Real light sources have size and can create soft shadow edges.
Continue with Light, Shadows & Materials .