Science in Focus: Shedding Light: Lights, Camera, Action

Shadow Time

I. The Web Activity: Exercise 2

Directions: The objective is to arrange this group of photographs taken at different times of the day in chronological order using a shadow in each photo and the compass heading for each photo as information to infer the time of day. Times will be one of the following:

Times will be one of the following:

  • 9 am
  • 12 noon
  • 2 pm
  • 6 pm

Compass Heading Key

  • 360 degrees = Photographer and camera facing North
  • 180 degrees = Photographer and camera facing South
  • 90 degrees = Photographer and camera facing East
  • 270 degrees = Photographer and camera facing West

Note: The photos have been adjusted in contrast to highlight the shadows.

Exercise 2 Answers

What time of day were the photos taken?

Image 1

A. 360 degrees (North)

Time of Day: 7pm

 
Image 2

B. 90 degrees (East)

Time of Day: 12pm
Image 3

C. 90 degrees (East)

Time of Day: 9am

Image 4

D. 360 degrees (North)

Time of Day: 2pm

 

Check Your Answers for Exercise 2

OR

Read on for an explanation in II. The Science.

I. The Web Activity
II. The Science
III. Do It Yourself
IV. Do It with Your Students
V. Resources