Free Kindergarten Shade structures Worksheets

These worksheets teach kindergartners that shade is created when a material blocks sunlight, and that people design structures, like umbrellas, awnings, and hats, to provide shade on purpose. Children explore which materials block the most light, make simple predictions, and begin to understand the design process: identify a problem, try a solution, see if it works. This is kindergartners' first introduction to engineering thinking in science.

Shade structures connect the sun and shade energy concept to NGSS K-2-ETS1 engineering design standards, typically introduced in kindergarten alongside weather, seasons, and the sun unit. Teachers often set up simple stations where children test fabric, paper, and foil to see which makes the best shade. The topic is both a physical science concept and an introduction to the design process.

On a sunny day, go outside with different materials, a piece of cardboard, a cloth, aluminum foil, and test which one makes the coolest shade by placing your hand underneath each. Record which worked best and use the worksheet to draw your design. Then challenge your child to improve it. This hands-on experiment makes engineering thinking tangible and fun.