Shadow

NCERT anchor: NCERT Looking Around Class 1 — Theme: Light, Shadows and Reflection (shadows)

• Shadows form when light is blocked by an opaque object.
• Play with shadows from the Sun, torch, or diya on a wall.
• See that shadow shape matches the object's outline.

1. Light travels in straight lines

Level 1 (Verbal): Light goes straight until something blocks it.

Level 2 (Symbolic): Blocked light → dark area behind object = shadow.

Visual: Sun → tree → shadow on ground.

2. Opaque objects make shadows

Verbal: Wood, your body, a cricket bat — light cannot pass through.

Visual: Transparent (glass) lets light through — weak or no shadow.

3. Shadow moves with object and light

Move the torch → shadow shifts. Move your hand → shadow dances.

Shadow puppets during a power cut

Step 1 — Shine torch on wall; hold hand in front.
Step 2 — Light blocked → dark hand-shape on wall = shadow.
Step 3 — Move fingers → shadow changes shape.
Step 4 — Turn off torch → shadow disappears.
Answer: shadow needs light source + blocking object.

• What do you need to make a shadow?
• Is your shadow on the ground at noon sunny day?
• Does glass bottle make a strong shadow?
• Stretch: Why is your shadow long in the evening and shorter at noon?

Revision tip: Sunny day — trace your shadow with chalk; come back later and see if it moved.

Open the Practice tab for graded questions on Shadow.