Light, Shadow, Action!

When students experiment with light, they learn how light travels and interacts with different objects while also discovering relationships between light and shadow.  During art studio this week, students had the chance to explore light and transparency and were greeted with their own shadows upon entering the classroom.  Although many students eventually discovered that they could only create a shadow when light is present, many had unique hypotheses as well.  One idea was that the light projector (or light machine, as it is referred to by students), created shadows.  “When the light machine was turned off, our shadows went back inside to hide.” (Yannick) “Our shadow comes from the television!” (Elana) “Our shadows are on the movie screen where we eat popcorn!” (Fatima A)

Once the light was turned off, the shadow disappeared.  However, some students ran towards the window, realizing that the sun could also cast a shadow.  “I know that the sun is making my shadow.” (Lidya)  Some students even had the chance to go outside and chase their shadows!

As students continued to explore, they were given transparent objects.  The objects did not create a dark shadow but one that was full of brilliant color!  A transparent object is one that we can see right through! Another word for transparent is translucent!  Our bodies are not transparent, thus blocking the light.  Light cannot travel through our bodies but is able to travel around them.  Conversely, light can travel through any object that is transparent!

After our exploration on transparency and shadow, we came back to the table to create a transparent and opaque color collage.  A collage is a picture that is made by using cut or ripped paper glued onto another piece of paper!  Henri Matisse is one of our favorite collage artists!   Students completed a guided discovery on using scissors and were then able to cut and glue their paper, creating a collage.  

Finally, student collages were placed on the light table to display the way light travels through transparent colors and how opaque colors block the light!  Soon, the work will be displayed on our windows for all to see!