“Shadow Showdown” is the episode where Bing and Bong explore how shadows are created on the Planet of Light and Color. During their visit, they will explore a few of the fun things you can do with shadows including creating shadow pictures using your hands and other objects.

Here’s the scoop:

Bing and Bong have tickets for the movies. En route, the low evening sun casts giant shadows of the two. At first Bong is frightened, but Bing quickly shows Bong how to have fun with the shadows.

When they arrive at the theater, the Flocker responsible for the Robot Projector has nodded off, causing the film to unwind and the projector to turn over! Bing gets to work at remedying the situation.

Bong finds a spotlight that points to the screen and Bing and Bong begin a shadow puppet routine. The Flockers honk with glee at the spectacle while the Loudspeaker Robot adds an accompanying soundtrack.

And while the children are enjoying the episode (free to all this week on the Tiny Planet of Light and Color) they’re also increasing their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. In this case the children will learn that shadows are created by blocking light. The shape and orientation of the object blocking will help determine the shape of the shadow.

This episode is also a great way to give those imagination muscles a workout as the children create shadow puppets and all that this entails. Here’s a cute activity that the children (and you!) will enjoy doing. We call it:

“Making Shadows”

Materials

• Spotlight
• Overhead projector
• Projector screen
• Light smooth surface
• Shapes and props to experiment making silhouettes

Instructions

• Either work behind a screen with a projector or using a spotlight onto a surface so that children can see the shadow they are making.
• Start with simple hand shapes and move on to more complicate images with props once child(ren) have understood the concept.
• Note: At first children will need close guidance but will soon bring their own ideas.

A Word to the Wise

• Ensure all electrical equipment is safe to use and that wires are not trailing.
• Explain to children that the lights are a source of heat and can be very hot and ensure that supervision is sufficient.