Making a Shadow Diorama
You will need the help of a grown-up or older brother or sister, but this project shows you one way you can have fun with science experiments. Be sure that you're careful when handling the light bulb!
You will need the following materials:
1 white light bulb
1 light bulb system that can be turned on and off (try to get the kind that is just a light bulb socket and a cord that attaches to its plug. If you can't find this, a small lamp with a thin stand will also do.)
2 metal rods
2 pieces of illustration board (both 1/8 in size)
1 old action figure
1 tube of super glue
1 small piece of red cellophane paper
1 small piece of yellow cellophane paper
1 roll of scotch tape or packing tape
Instructions:
Using the scotch tape or packing tape, tape the pieces of illustration board together so that one piece is lying flat, and the other piece is standing next to it lengthwise (like a wall). When it faces you, the flat piece should have the white side up, while the standing piece or wall piece should have the dark side facing you.
Using the super glue, glue your action figure to the center of the illustration board that is lying flat (white side). Make sure you glue your action figure standing up and facing either towards the left or right when the black side of the board is facing you.
You can decorate your diorama now if you want. Make sure there is enough space around the action figure so you can see a clear shadow of the figure when light moves. Be careful not to destroy the board that is acting as a wall.
Attach your light bulb system to one of the metal rods (from now on, it will be called R1). You can also use plastic sticks, whichever you have on hand. If you are using a small lamp, remove the lamp shade and the lamp will serve as R1.
R1 should be long enough so that the light bulb can hang directly over the action figure while the end of R1 goes past the standing piece of cardboard.
Attach the non-bulb end of R1 to the another one of the rods (now called R2) using scotch tape. Both R1 and R2 should now be making an L shape.
Tape the yellow cellophane paper to the left side of the light bulb. Tape the red cellophane on the right. Test to see that your light bulb turns on and off.
Go to a slightly dark room. Lie the L shaped rods down so that the light bulb is lying down on the red side. Make sure that the one side of the L is lying behind the board that acts like a wall. Turn on the light bulb.
Ask the grown up to slowly raise the light bulb over the diorama, making it pivot on the end of R2, simulating how the sun appears to rise over the horizon. Your will notice the shadows of the action figure get small and large or long depending on the position of the bulb.
As the bulb makes its way across, the red paper will simulate a setting sun, also affecting the shadows.
Concept Explanation:
This science project teaches a child how much fun with science experiments they can have. It shows a child how shadows change with light. The action figure shows changing shadows depending on the position of the “sun.” Children will be able to recognize this with the shadows their own body casts while they play outside.
To have more fun with science experiments and take the project one step further, you can lengthen R2 and attach another R1 on the other end, putting a glow in the dark object to simulate the moon. When you slowly turn R2, the sun will rise, and set, and as it sets, the moon will rise!
This project would be much easier using Styrofoam, but try not to use it as its production is bad for the environment.
