Contextualization

Hello, little scientists! Have you ever stopped to observe the sun and the shadow during the day? Have you noticed how the position of the sun and the size of its shadow change as the hours go by? Let's embark together on this journey of discovery about the sun, the earth, and the shadows!

The Earth, our dear home, is always in motion. It rotates around itself, and this movement is called rotation. It is because of this that we have day and night. And when the Earth rotates, the position of the Sun in the sky changes! This change is responsible for shadows moving throughout the day. Isn't that cool?

Introduction

Now let's understand a little better how this works. Imagine you are in an open field at noon. Where do you think the sun will be? That's right, right in the middle of the sky! And the shadow? Tiny, almost under you! But as the day progresses, the sun seems to move across the sky, and the shadow changes position and size.

Now, what do you think happens to the shadow as the sun moves to the west throughout the day? That's right! The shadow lengthens and moves in the opposite direction of the sun. But why does this happen? This is because the Earth is spinning, and this makes it seem like the sun is moving across the sky.

Understanding how the position of the sun and the shadow changes throughout the day can help us in many things in our daily lives. Knowing where the sun rises and sets can help us locate ourselves when we are lost. Moreover, many animals and plants depend on the sun to live. Plants need the sun for photosynthesis, and animals use the position of the sun for guidance. So, studying about the sun, the earth, and the shadows is very important!

In our project, we will explore how the position of the sun changes throughout the day and how it affects the shadow. Shall we, little scientists? Let's embark on this journey of discovery and learning!

Practical Activity

Activity Title: "Follow the Shadow - Understanding the Movement of the Sun"

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to understand how the position of the sun changes during the day and how it affects the size and direction of shadows. You will record and observe these changes, working in groups and learning the importance of teamwork!

Detailed Project Description

In your groups, you will choose an outdoor location where you can clearly see the sun and where you can draw with chalk on the ground. You will track the movement of the sun by measuring the shadow of an object throughout the day. Then, you will document your findings through drawings and notes.

Required Materials

1. Colored chalk
2. A tall and straight object, such as a traffic cone or a measuring rod.
3. Paper and pencil for notes
4. Clock or cellphone to mark the time
5. Camera or cellphone for taking photos (if possible)

Detailed Step-by-Step for Activity Execution

1. Choose the location and prepare the shadow object: Together, choose an outdoor location and position the chosen object on the ground. Make sure the location is suitable for drawing with chalk and that the object will be in the shade during the day.

2. Draw the initial shadow line: Early in the morning, draw the shadow line with chalk. Mark the time on the ground next to the line.

3. Track the shadow: Every hour, return to the object and draw the new shadow line. Remember to always mark the time next to each new line.

4. Document the changes: Throughout the day, note how the shadow is changing. Is it getting longer or shorter? Is it moving to the left or right? Draw and write your observations.

5. Photograph: If possible, take a photo of the location every hour to visually record the changes that are happening.

6. Analyze the results: At the end of the day, discuss what you observed with your group colleagues. What did you learn? How did the sun move throughout the day? How did it affect the shadow of the object?

Delivery Format

Each group must submit a sheet of paper with their notes and drawings about the activity. This sheet should contain all the times with the respective shadow observations and the photos (if available). In addition, each group will present their findings to the class, sharing what they learned about the movement of the sun and the change of shadows throughout the day. Let's learn together, little scientists!