Light and Shadow
Kindergarten · Science · Study Guide
Find out where light comes from, what it does, and how shadows are made!
Light is all around us! The biggest source of light for our world is the sun. The sun sends light to Earth during the day and keeps us warm. At night, we use electric lights, candles, and flashlights so we can see. Light travels in straight lines and moves incredibly fast — faster than anything else!
When light shines on an object that does not let light pass through, a shadow forms on the other side. Your body blocks sunlight and makes your shadow. The shadow is always on the opposite side from the light source. On a sunny day, your shadow is short when the sun is high in the sky and long when the sun is low.
Some objects let light pass through and some do not. A window is transparent — light passes right through it. A wall is opaque — light cannot pass through it. A curtain might be translucent — letting a little light through but not all of it.
| Type | What Happens to Light | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Transparent | All light passes through | Clear glass window |
| Translucent | Some light passes through | Frosted glass, curtain |
| Opaque | No light passes through | Wood, brick wall |
Key terms
- Light
- A form of energy that lets us see things — it comes from the sun, lamps, and fire.
- Shadow
- A dark area formed when an object blocks light.
- Transparent
- Something that lets all light pass through, like clear glass.
- Opaque
- Something that blocks all light and creates a shadow, like a wall.
- Translucent
- Something that lets some light pass through but not all, like a frosted window.
Flashcards
- Light
- A form of energy we can see — comes from the sun, bulbs, and flames.
- Shadow
- A dark area formed where an object blocks light.
- Transparent
- Lets all light through — like clear glass.
- Opaque
- Blocks all light — creates a shadow.
- Translucent
- Lets some light through but not all.
- Sun
- Earth's main source of natural light and heat.
Practice questions
What is the main source of light for Earth during the day?
- The moon
- A lamp
- The sun
- Stars
Show answer
Answer: The sun
The sun is a star — a giant ball of burning gas — and it is the primary source of light and energy for life on Earth.
A shadow forms when an object blocks light.
Show answer
Answer: True
Shadows form when an opaque object blocks light, creating a dark area on the opposite side.
What do we call an object that lets all light pass through it?
- Opaque
- Transparent
- Translucent
- Reflective
Show answer
Answer: Transparent
Transparent materials like clear glass let all light pass through so you can see clearly through them.
Light travels in curved paths.
Show answer
Answer: False
Light travels in straight lines — it cannot bend around corners (unless reflected or refracted).
An object that blocks all light is called ___.
Show answer
Answer: opaque
Opaque objects like wood, rocks, and walls block all light and create shadows.
Fun facts
- Light from the sun travels about 93 million miles to reach Earth — and it only takes about 8 minutes!
- A rainbow forms when sunlight passes through water droplets in the air and splits into all its colors.
- Cats can see in much dimmer light than humans because their eyes have a special reflective layer.
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