Grade 1 · Science · Physical science

1st Grade Shadows Need Light worksheets

6 printable versionsOn LevelAbout 8 minutes eachFree · no account

When it’s done, scan the sheet with your phone and PencilGo marks it and picks the next one. Create a free account

★

Tired of searching for worksheets?

We’ll email one free Grade 1 worksheet every school day. Your child does it on paper. No account needed.

Version

Shadows Need Light

Grade 1 Science Worksheet

NameDate

Circle the answer.

1.
The rows show a shadow measured in buttons at two times of day. Which time had the longer shadow?
- Noon
- Both the same length
- Morning
2.
You want a bigger shadow on the wall. Where should you put the object?
- close to the lamp
- far from the lamp
- next to the wall
3.
When is the sun low and your shadow long?
- in the morning or evening
- at noon
- at midnight
4.
You stand in the sun with your back to it. Where is your shadow?
- next to you
- in front of you
- behind you
5.
A ball sits in a dark box. Is there a shadow?
- Yes. The box makes one.
- Yes. The ball makes one.
- No. There is no light.
6.
Which can make a hand shadow puppet?
- a lamp and a wall
- a rock and a stick
- a spoon and a cup
7.
Which kind of day makes the clearest shadow?
- a cloudy day
- a sunny day
- a foggy morning
8.
A lamp shines on a ball from the left. Where is the shadow?
- there is no shadow
- on the left
- on the right
9.
What makes a shadow?
- An object blocks the light.
- An object makes light.
- An object moves fast.
10.
Which set has what you need for a shadow?
- a block and a wall in the dark
- a lamp and a wall
- a lamp, a block and a wall

1st Grade Shadows Need Light worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Shadows are a concrete way for first graders to investigate that objects can be seen only when light is available and that light travels from a source until something blocks it. Children often describe a shadow as a thing that follows them without explaining what causes it. This worksheet asks students to identify the needed parts of a shadow setup: a light source, an object that blocks the light, and a surface where the shadow appears.

Questions compare materials that block light well and poorly, predict what happens when the light moves, and choose fair observations from a simple investigation. Support pages use direct flashlight and sun examples. Standard and challenge pages ask learners to reason about size or position changes. Encourage children to say the path: light shines, object blocks, shadow appears.

What your child will learn

Explain that light is needed to see objects
Identify how shadows form
Compare shadow size and position
Use observations from a light investigation

NGSS standard: 1-PS4-2

Worked example

A flashlight shines on a block and the block stops some light. A dark shape appears on the wall behind it.

Common mistake

Thinking a shadow appears without any light source because the room is dark.

Helpful hint

Name the light source, the blocking object, and the surface.

Next skill: Properties of Materials Earlier: Light and Sound

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with shadows need light?

Thinking a shadow appears without any light source because the room is dark.

How can I help my child with shadows need light?

Name the light source, the blocking object, and the surface.

Are these 1st grade science worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 1st grade physical science

See all physical science

Every sheet you scan goes into your child’s record: dated, marked and ready for the year-end portfolio. Homeschool records