---
title: "How Shadows Form"
description: "Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-shadows-form-mt_Oru08pKlxd
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-shadows-form-mt_Oru08pKlxd.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# How Shadows Form

Recognise that shadows are formed when light from a source is blocked by an opaque object, and find patterns in how shadow size changes

Subject: Science · Area: Waves, Light & Sound · Ages 7 to 8
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-shadows-form-mt_Oru08pKlxd

## Ready when they can

- Explain that a shadow forms because an opaque object blocks light from reaching a surface
- Describe the pattern with a spreading torch beam and wall fixed: moving the same object nearer the torch without turning it makes a larger shadow
- Predict a shadow's outline from the light's position, and compare shadow size while keeping the torch and wall fixed and not turning the object

## Lesson: How Shadows Form

You have tested materials that block light. Transparent and translucent sheets let light through. An opaque sheet blocks light passing through it. Behind an opaque object, part of a surface receives less light from the source. This darker area is a shadow. With no light at all, there is no light to block.

**Example.** Mia aims a small battery torch at a wall and puts an opaque toy dinosaur between them. The toy blocks some light paths to the wall. A darker outline appears there. Other room light may still reach that area. The shadow does not have to be completely black.

*(drawing: A shadow is a darker area on the wall, not a dark substance sent out by the toy.)*

Keep a small torch and wall fixed. Use a spreading beam and one toy without turning it. Nearer the torch gives a larger shadow; nearer the wall gives a smaller one. Change only position. Also turning the toy or moving the torch prevents you from separating their effects.

A shadow follows the outline seen from the light's position, not the object's painted colours. Turn a flat card from its broad side towards its edge: its shadow becomes narrower. A ball lit straight towards a flat wall makes a roughly round shadow. To compare sheets' light blocking, use equal sizes in the same position.

*(drawing: A ball can make this roughly round outline when a torch shines straight towards a flat wall.)*

**Recap.** A shadow is a darker area where light is blocked. With a spreading torch beam and wall fixed, moving the same toy nearer the torch without turning it makes a larger shadow.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Transparent, Translucent & Opaque](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/transparent-translucent-and-opaque-mt_p6frRFuxS6)

## Opens up

- [How we see objects](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/how-we-see-objects-mt_6w2g7aoPgz)
- [Light travels in straight lines](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/light-travels-in-straight-lines-mt_qZro923zvz)
- [Shadows](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/shadows-mt_tMLsTPQHwF)