Introduction
Hello, little scientists! Are you ready for an amazing adventure through the Science universe? In our project, we will learn about a very interesting phenomenon that happens every day right above our heads. Yes, we are talking about the Sun and the Shadow.
The Sun is a star. Not just any star, but the closest star to us. It gives light and heat to our planet, and allows all living things to live and grow. Imagine a day without the sun, it would be very cold and dark, right?
But the sunlight doesn't reach everywhere in the same way all the time. Sometimes, when something blocks the sunlight, a shadow is created. The shadow is the dark part or the image projected on the ground or on any surface when an object blocks the sunlight. And do you know what's even more interesting? The position of the shadow changes according to the movement of the Sun in the sky!
Contextualization
Have you ever noticed that the shadow changes position throughout the day? When we are going to school in the morning, the shadows are long and stretched. In the afternoon, they are short and right below us. And in the late afternoon, they become long and stretched again. This happens because of the Earth's rotation, that is, when the Earth spins around itself.
Knowing about the positions of the Sun and the shadows is very important. The ancients used this to create sundials and knew the time of day just by looking at the shadow! Nowadays, scientists use this knowledge for many things, such as studying the weather and climate, understanding more about space, and even designing buildings and houses so that they are in the best position in relation to the Sun.
So, how about we embark on this journey of discoveries and learn more about the movement of the Sun and the shadows? Let's go, little scientists, our adventure is just beginning!
Practical Activity
Title of the Practical Activity: "Solar Clock: Observing the Dance of Shadows"
Project Objective:
- Understand the apparent movement of the Sun through shadow observation.
- Promote collaboration, time management, communication, and creative thinking.
Detailed Project Description:
In this activity, you, little scientists, will build a solar clock and observe how the shadow changes throughout the day. It will be a great way to understand why shadows change places during the day and also a fun experience to observe the apparent movement of the Sun!
Required Materials:
- A barbecue stick or a straight rod (can be a pencil);
- A piece of cardboard or cardstock paper;
- A common clock (can be a cell phone or classroom clock);
- A compass (a cell phone app works well);
- Colored pens or crayons.
Step-by-Step Guide for the Activity:
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Group Formation: Form groups of 3 to 5 students. Remember, it is important that everyone participates and helps.
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Location Preparation: Find an outdoor location where the Sun can be seen throughout the day. The location needs to be flat and where the stick can be positioned to be perfectly vertical. The piece of cardboard will be placed in this location.
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Solar clock assembly: Stick the stick or rod in the middle of the cardboard so that it stands upright (vertical). Use the compass to ensure that the stick is pointing north.
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Shadow recording: Every hour, starting from the beginning of the school day, mark the position of the stick's shadow on the cardboard. Use the common clock to track the hours. Each time you make the mark, write down the time next to it.
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Observation and recording: Observe how the shadow moves each hour and record your observations. Discuss why this is happening.
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Conclusion: At the end of the school day, observe all the marks you made. They will show the movement of the shadow throughout the day.
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Presentation of results: Prepare a presentation for the class, explaining what you learned from the activity. Use the observations you recorded during the day.
Delivery Format:
Each group must deliver the solar clock they built, along with a simple report containing the observations they made throughout the day. The report can be made with drawings and words and should explain how the shadow moved and why this happens. The presentation of the results will be made at a special moment in the classroom, where everyone can share what they have learned. Remember, this activity is a group discovery, so everyone should help with the presentation!
Good luck, little scientists! We are excited to see your discoveries!
