Bring science and creativity together with this engaging Colored Shadows Experiment Project!

In this hands-on STEM activity, students explore how light travels, how shadows are formed, and how colored transparent materials can change the color of light. Students design and build their own cardboard figure using colored plastic or cellophane, then observe how light passing through different colors creates unique shadows.

This project combines science, art, and engineering, making it perfect for elementary, middle school, or introductory physical science lessons.

Students will:

• Learn how light travels in straight lines
• Understand why shadows form
• Explore transparent vs. opaque materials
• Observe how color filters change light
• Build a creative colored shadow figure
• Answer reflection and science questions
• Complete a structured project worksheet

This resource includes:

• Informational background reading about light and shadows
• Step-by-step building directions
• Observation and critical thinking questions
• Response lines for written answers
• Example project cover page
• Teacher scoring chart (100-point grading system)
• Comment section for teacher feedback

Perfect for:

• STEM lessons
• Science labs
• Light and energy units
• Art + science projects
• Substitute plans
• End-of-unit activities
• Project-based learning