Dinosaur Shadows STEAM Activity
Explore the science of shadows in this fun dinosaur activity. Experiment with making dinosaur shadows, then transform them into playful characters for some awesome pretend play.
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How loud can your dinosaur roar? Kids can dinosaurs and their roars to new heights with this fun shadow activity!
The activity was inspired by the popular children's book Dinosaur Roar! by Paul and Henrietta Stickland. (aff. link)
This is a wonderful book of opposites, with large, colorful pictures of dinosaurs. Despite the differences in their sizes and shapes, all the dinosaurs have one thing in common - they love to munch and crunch!
Enjoy the book, then roar through awesome pretend play with this fun science and art activity.
Check out the ideas for a thematic unit at the end of the post.
Dinosaur shadow activity for kids
I used Tyrannosaurus Rex for this activity, but you can use whatever dinosaur figure you have on hand, large or small.
Here's a link to dinosaurs that resemble the one I used in this activity. (aff. link)
Note: The terms STEM and STEAM are often used interchangeably. Here's more information on these educational approaches to early learning that will help explain these science principles and how they are used in your daily play.
STEM + ART = STEAM
1. Use a light source to create a shadow.
Set a lamp or flashlight on the floor or on a table in front of the dinosaur. This will serve as a light source.
- The image above illustrates the difference between natural light and using a light source. The shadow is more pronounced with a light source directed at the dinosaur.
This is a great opportunity to explore the science of shadows.
- Place the dinosaur close to, and far away from, the wall.
- Place the light source near to, and far away from, the dinosaur.
- Raise and lower the light source.
- Observe the shadow getting bigger or smaller than the dinosaur.
2. Transfer the shadow to paper.
Tape a piece of poster board to the wall behind the dinosaur figure. Trace the shadow onto the paper with a pencil or crayon.
- It can be difficult to get the shadow of the feet. I raised the dinosaur by placing wood blocks under his feet but it was still difficult to cast a suitable shadow of the feet to trace. You can sketch the feet later if they do not show up well.
3. Highlight the dinosaur pencil outline with a marker.
With your child, observe and discuss the shadow cast by the dinosaur, in relation to how it was positioned in front of the wall. For example, the way my dinosaur was positioned, the legs were cast as one shadow.
The language you use will depend on your child's interest and skill level.
The goal is to make it a fun activity!
4. Paint the paper dinosaur.
Use a combination of paint colors to create your dinosaur character. Create a new species with colorful patterns and designs!
- We cut pieces from chair foam to make paint stamps for painting the dinosaur.
Related: Painting a tree with foam paint stamps.
When the paint is dry, cut out the dinosaur for pretend play!
Learning through play
The following activities will help you build a dinosaur thematic unit in your preschool or kindergarten.
1. Initiate open-ended discussion about dinosaurs.
What makes the dinosaur roar? Is he hungry, tired or lonely?
- Show dinosaur emotions with your facial expressions.
Where will the dinosaur live?
- Create a cave or forest with blankets or a large box.
- Make this big big flower craft for the pretend forest.
How big is your dinosaur? Is he bigger than a car, smaller than a house?
- Move your body to take up as much space as possible and as little space as possible.
How much noise can your dinosaur make?
- Practice making a loud roar and a soft roar.
- Practice making loud stomps and quiet steps with your feet.
2. Use dinosaur figures in activities to promote play-based learning.
- Add mini dinosaur figures to a sand box or sensory bin.
- Wash plastic dinosaur figures in soapy water.
- Create a small world scene with trees and rocks in a cardboard box.
Related: Small world ideas with cardboard boxes
3. Read books about dinosaurs.
Kids First Big Book About Dinosaurs
Cat in the Hat All Bout Dinosaurs
The world of dinosaurs is a magical one for kids. It involves a lot of pretend play with big imaginations, big enough to take on some pretty big characters.
How loud can your dinosaur roar?
