Daytime Astronomy in the Northern Hemisphere Using Shadows

Abstract

This brief article describes a method for teaching astronomy that was developed in New Zealand. Children observe and record the movement of their own shadows at regular intervals throughout the day and continue with a series of activities that can be extended throughout the year. This activity, which both children and teachers find fascinating, requires minimal equipment and is suitable for schools with very limited funding. This contribution describes the experiments and how they can be adapted for use in the northern hemisphere.