After experimenting with flashlights and our hands, students quickly discovered that our consensus model did not tell anything about what happens to light when it is blocked by an object. As scientists, students know that models can be changed as they gather more evidence. So that's just what we did...change our models to include what happens when a shadow is created! We developed a similar consensus model to show not only on how we see an object, but how an object can create a shadow and how we can see it!
We also discussed the intensity of the light, especially after our light meter experience. There would be the MOST like reflecting off the object, and therefore, our light meter reading would be highest right near the object. The least light would be in the shadow, since a shadow is the absence of light. We only see a shadow because the light that was able to pass over the object reflects into our eyes. The light meter reading would be the lowest here, because the least light reflects into our eyes.
One last thing...which of these student-generated images correctly shows how a shadow is cast? You be the judge!
One last thing...which of these student-generated images correctly shows how a shadow is cast? You be the judge!