The family silhouette studio
A dinosaur has grown to twice its size overnight. The elf knows the trick and has left the studio ready for another sitting.
Overnight, a little toy dinosaur has become a giant. The elf has discovered the magic of shadows and set up a studio on a clear stretch of wall, needing nothing more than a torch and a toy to work the trick.
When the family comes in and switches on the torch, the dinosaur’s shadow towers over everyone, and moving the toy makes it grow and shrink.
It’s simple science that feels like magic, and children will soon want to put their own toys, hands and faces in the spotlight.
How to set it up
- Stand the dinosaur a hand’s breadth from the wall. Aim the torch past it and adjust the angle until the outline is clear.
- Set the torch down beside the elf. Leave it off overnight and turn it on when the family comes in.
- Move the dinosaur towards the torch. How enormous can its shadow grow?