Groundhog Chalk Shadows
About This Project
This groundhog chalk shadow is a fun way to learn about how shadows are made even if it's too cold or wet to go outside! All you need is our free printable, some chalk, tape, and paper.
Steps
Print and cut
Print the attached printable pdf and cut out the groundhog and the helper stand strip.
Tape down the groundhog
Add a few pieces of rolled tape to the face and body of your groundhog. Make sure to roll your tape so that none of the tape is outside the outline of the groundhog. Masking tape works best, but if you don't have masking tape, rub regular scotch tape on your clothes a few times before attaching it to the paper so it's a little less sticky. This will prevent the tape from tearing your paper when you remove it later.
Stick it down
Stick the groundhog face down onto your paper, about the same distance from the edge as the length of the longer arm of the helper stand.
Chalk around the edges
Use chalk to draw lines from the inside of the groundhog's body, across the edge of the template, and out onto the paper underneath. Make your lines firm and dark. Make lots of lines close together all the way around your template. Each line should be about the same length.
Smudge with your finger
Smudge all the chalk lines outwards with your finger.
Tape down the helper stand
Tape the helper stand to the back of your groundhog as shown.
Reveal your shadow
Carefully peel the groundhog up off the green paper to reveal your shadow! Be careful not to smudge your chalk!
Remove tape
Remove the tap from the face and body of the groundhog.
Stand it up
Adjust your stand until your groundhog can stand on his own, looking at his own shadow! This project works because chalk acts like light does when casting a real shadow. When light hits your body, it can't go through you. On a sunny day, you see this blocked light as a shadow on the ground. The same thing happens whether it's a person, a tree, or a groundhog blocking the light to catch a shadow. In this project, the template blocks the chalk from reaching the paper, leaving a perfect outline shadow of our furry friend.
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