Activity library/SHC 23

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Sun-Fade Art

Use sunlight and flat objects to make surprising silhouettes on colored paper without paint or special chemicals.

Free full plan
15 min + waitingoutdoorslow energyAges 3-10
Free field plan · 23SHC

Grab

  • Dark construction paper
  • leaves or flat household shapes
  • small stones
  • a sunny protected spot

Do this

  1. Arrange flat shapes on construction paper. Use small stones to stop them moving in the breeze.
  2. Place the paper in direct sun where it will not be stepped on, blown away, or become wet.
  3. Leave it for several hours or repeat across a few bright days, checking without shifting the shapes.
  4. Remove the objects and compare covered and uncovered areas. Label the date and weather.

Keep it easy

Use one large leaf or a few blocks with clear outlines.

Take it further

Try overlapping shapes or moving one object halfway through the exposure.

Adult note

Use sun protection and retrieve all weights and paper afterward.

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