Chalk Silhouettes

[20 Minutes]

Here is an art project that teaches your child about shadows and how they are made.

You'll need:

• dark and light colored paper • chalk • tape • scissors • glue stick • light source like flashlight or slide projector • marker

What to do:

1. Begin by playing together with the shadows made by the light source.
2. Invite your child to sit on a small chair and tape the dark sheet of paper behind her so that her silhouette is projected onto the paper.
3. Use the chalk to draw around her shadow.
4. Invite your child to turn and see her silhouette.
5. Encourage your child to cut out the silhouette and mount it on light-colored paper.
6. Now reverse roles and ask your child to trace around your silhouette.

How to use:

Encourage your child to write her name on the paper and give the silhouette as a gift to friends or relatives.

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• What kind of shadows can you make with your hands? With your body?
• How can you make the shadows get bigger and smaller?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, your child is learning important science concepts.