Light and Shadow Worksheets

What children learn in this set

The worksheets introduce light sources such as the Sun, a lamp and a candle, then move towards shadows, materials and simple cause-and-effect ideas. Younger children can trace, match pictures, colour objects and identify light or dark areas. Older children can sort materials as transparent, translucent or opaque, label parts of a shadow, and explain how changing the position of a light source affects shadow size and direction. The activities use familiar objects from home and school, so you can choose a suitable starting point for Nursery, primary or upper primary learners.

Simple ways to use the worksheets

At home, begin with a torch, a toy, a book and a wall. Ask your child to make a shadow, move the torch closer and farther away, and record what changes before completing a worksheet. In class, children can work in pairs to sort classroom objects, then compare their answers and explain their choices. Use one sheet as a short EVS lesson starter, or set a worksheet after a practical activity. You can pair this set with Science Experiments for Kids for more observation-based practice.

Helping children avoid common mistakes

Children often say that a shadow is an object, or think that a shadow gives off light. Gently explain that a shadow is a darker area made when an object blocks light. They may also label every cloudy material as opaque, so test the idea with a clear glass, butter paper and a book. Remind them that a shadow needs a light source, an object and a surface where the shadow can fall. When a child gives an incorrect answer, ask what they observed and encourage them to try the setup again rather than memorise a rule.