Why does this bear-shaped shadow only appear during certain times of the year?
Phenomenon Description: The Shadow of the Bear is a seasonal optical illusion observed around sunset in mid-October through early November and late winter.
Location: Jackson County, near Cashiers, NC, Whiteside Mountain
Grade Level or Course: Grade 3
Question: Why does this bear-shaped shadow on appear during certain times of the year?
Crosscutting Concept: Scale, Proportion, and Quantity
Other Related Question: If we record the bear's shadow at the same time each day for two weeks, will its shape or location change? Why or why not?
Science Domain: Earth and Space Science
NC Standard: ESS.3.1 -Remember the major components and patterns observed in the earth/moon/sun system.
NC Objective: ESS.3.1.2 Carry out investigations to recognize that changes in the length and direction of an object's shadow indicate the apparent changing position of the sun during the day.
Additional Resources:
Shadow of the Bear: Visit NC Things to Do
https://www.visitnc.com/shadow-bear
The Shadow of the Bear Returns to North Carolina