science experiments for kids light and reflection

Ignite Your Kids’ Curiosity with These 16 Dazzling Light Experiments

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From rainbow light refractions to exploring the visible spectrum, there are so many fascinating and fun science projects about light for children to explore.

Whether you’re a teacher in need of activities that will engage your students or a homeschooler who wants to find new methods of educating your little ones, this ultimate list of light experiments for kids is sure to keep them happily learning!

With easy-to-follow instructions and simple materials, these exciting experiments dive into basic concepts such as reflection, absorption, diffusion, and much more.

I scoured the internet to discover the BEST activities for experimenting with light. This post includes dozens of fun science light experiments for kids to keep you and your kids busy. These science lessons are so good that kids have fun, are engaged, and want to learn more!

Light Science Experiments for Kids

Build your diy spectroscope from buggy & buddy.

Kids will LOVE to make their DIY spectroscope! The best part of this science activity is that it can be done with a few simple materials and explore the spectrum of different light sources.

The author offers a step-by-step, easy-to-follow approach, which is always helpful! 

This light science activity for kids makes a great addition to a unit on light or weather. You get to see rainbows, so add it to an April preschool unit or St. Patrick’s Day-themed unit.

Sky Science – Why does the sky change colors? from Steam Powered Family

Finally, have an answer to the age-old question:  why is the sky blue? Even better, explore why the sky changes color at sunrise and sunset.

You can explain until you’re blue in the face about the science of the sky colors, but experimenting brings the understanding to a new level. 

Learning about Optics with Two Fun Light Experiments! by From Engineer to Stay at Home Mom

Explore how light behaves with this activity! Furthermore, explain the concept of OPTICS as the study of how light works. This water and light experiment showed him how light works.   

Explore the Eye’s Blind Spot from Carrots Are Orange

The blind spot is a little spot of the eye. Everyone has a blind spot. The blind spot is the point in the eye where all the nerves in the eye come together.

The nerves form a bundle called the optic nerve, which runs from the eye to the brain.

So, why makes the blind spot “blind’?

Simple Light Refraction Experiment from Look We’re Learning

This simple light refraction experiment teaches kids an easy way to teach kids about light!

Light Activities for Preschoolers from Carrots Are Orange

This post includes loads of light energy experiments and ideas to explore.

DIY Sundial from KC Adventures

Learn an easy way to make a sundial using simple materials.

UV Light Experiment from Inspiration Laboratories

Try this simple exploration to explore ultraviolet light with your child.

Exploring Science Through Art: Colour & Light by Childhood 101

This activity is sweet and to the point—what a lovely hands-on way to explore color and light.

Reflection Science with Light Patterns in a Box from Buggy & Buddy

A super cool and remarkably easy-to-put-together light energy experiment.

Rainbow Science for Kids: Exploring Prisms from Buggy & Buddy

Prisms are one of the most beautiful and simple materials. Learn ways to explore light reflection with this simple object!

Easy Motion Science Experiment from Carrots Are Orange

Learn how movies are made with this  easy motion science experiment . My sons have been on a “how does this work?” kick. This easy science experiment  was one answer to “how do movies get onto a screen?”

Science for Kids: How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Kids love light reflection experiments! Learn  how to make a kaleidoscope in this fun & easy science activity and a craft for kids. Kids love to explore light, reflections, and symmetry by creating their kaleidoscope.

Build a Light Maze

This science experiment on light is unique and embraces imagination (and a flashlight experiment which is always fun!). My son LOVED this “build a light maze activity,” and I bet your child will enjoy it, too.

Candy Wrapper Science – Color Mixing

Kids will have a lot of fun exploring color mixing and light with this hands-on science exploration.

Laser Science for Kids: The Glowing Lollipop

Learn about light refraction with this cool laser pointer lollipop experiment.

As you can see, there are a ton of great light experiments for kids that are both fun and educational. We hope this list has inspired you to try out some of these activities with your children or students.

If you end up trying one (or more) of them, we’d love to hear about it. Which activity jumped out at you? Share it with your friends!

Other Science Activities:

How to Build a Magnetic Car with Your Kids

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Magnetism Science Experiments for Kids: Magnetic Board

Light Activities for Preschoolers - Learning about Light Energy

Science Activity with Milk & Food Coloring

Science of Flight Activities for Kids

Easy Science Activity with Balloons - How to Build a Balloon Rocket

Easy Science Experiments for Kids - Surface Tension

Easy Motion Science Experiment that Will Wow Your Kids

10+ Amazing Science Activities for Preschoolers

Arctic Animal Science Experiment for Preschoolers

Super Cool Easy Science Experiments for Kids - Learn about Sound

Preschool Physical Science Activity - Leaf Pounding

The Coolest Preschool Science Activity - Surface Tension

What Do Germs Look Like - Science Activity for Kids

Explore How Cats Eyes Glow with this Science Activity

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[Baking Soda and Vinegar] Experiment with Balloons - Earth Day Science

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Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids to Do

Literacy & ABCs Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Paper Plates 19 Comments

Science experiments are always a big hit in my house and this light experiment for kids will brighten everyone’s day – literally!

3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids

What three things can light do? This is the guiding question for this simple and fun light experiment for kids.

To Set up Your Own Simple Light Science Experiment, You’ll Need:

• Magnifying glass
• Paper plate or anything opaque
• Piece of paper

Try our favorite 50 simple science experiments .

Talking About Science Basics with Kids

Science activities are always a great time to practice using fun science terms. This simple light science experiment introduces three new ones:

• penetrate: or when light will pass through an object to be visible on the other side
• reflect: or when the light bounces back at you, like with a mirror or something shiny
• stop: or when the light is blocked, not reflecting or penetrating
• variable: what changes in different steps on the experiment

It can help if you write down these words and their meanings on a piece of paper or flashcards.

You could use actual words or draw a picture.

For older kids, you could also dive a little bit deeper. I love this quick explanation about the properties of light from Ducksters .

Before Your Light Experiments for Kids

This simple science experiment includes an opportunity for making predictions and recording observations.

Predicting is just making a guess based on what you already know.

You could get started by asking your kids: “What do you know about light?”

Create a quick and simple legend for the light experiment.

Write down your children’s predictions and make a quick chart. One column is for the prediction and the other is for the observation, plus some rows for the variables.

Label the rows with the names of your three objects, or variables (what’s changing each time). Hint: mirror, magnifying glass, plate, etc.

At the top of one column write: “What will the light do?” . (Prediction)

And then above the other column, write: “What does the light do?” . (Observations)

As you experiment, you’ll also jot down what happens with the light, or what you observe. Observe and observation in science is just a fancy way to explain telling what you saw happening during the experiment.

Ask these helpful questions as you predict what happens:

• Will the light penetrate the paper plate or will it stop?
• Will the light reflect off of the magnifying glass or penetrate?
• And will the mirror stop the light?

Take time to look at each object, discuss the three terms associated with light (penetrate, reflect, stop).

Make predictions, or guesses, about what the light will do with each object.

Write your predictions in the first column of the chart.

Now Experiment with Light Together

Once your predictions are made and the properties of light have been discussed, it’s time to do the experiment.

Choose the first object and have your kids shine the flashlight at the object.

Watch how the light reacts with the object. Does it shine through, shine back at you, or stop completely?

Record on your observation chart what the light did with that object. Check to see if your predictions were correct.

Keep going with the rest of the objects, making sure to observe and record your findings.

Our Easy Light Experiments for Kids

We chose the mirror first. My son held the mirror and my daughter used the flashlight.

I encouraged them to explain what they noticed about the light. Both recognized that the light was shining back at us, or reflecting.

We talked for a minute about using “refect” to describe what the light was doing.

Keep shining with a simple indoor reflection activity !

My daughter wrote “reflect” in our observation column on our chart. I helped her with the spelling, but only a little.

The Paper Plate

Our second variable for the light experiment was the paper plate. This time my kids switched roles with my daughter holding the plate and my son shining the flashlight at the object.

My kids quickly noticed that the light didn’t go anywhere except for on the plate.

We discussed together how this showed that the light stopped because the plate blocks or stops the light. I also added in the word “opaque,” which means that light does not pass through.

My son recorded “stop” for the plate.

You can also introduce the word “absorb” to your kids at this point in the experiment, as that is another term for stopping the light.

Originally, the kids had thought that the plate might reflect the light. Our prediction was incorrect and we talked about that for a minute or so.

Learn more about opaque objects with a fun shadow play activity !

The Magnifying Glass

Our final object was the magnifying glass. It was my turn to shine the light as both my kids held the object.

This time the light went through the magnifying glass, shining onto the floor below. I shared the term “transparent,” meaning that light passes completely through, as we talked about this part of the experiment.

I recorded our findings on the chart. We reviewed each object and outcome together while comparing our observations to our predictions.

Keep Playing with Light!

Even though we had finished the “formal” experiment, my kids kept the learning going! They ran through the house, shining the flashlight on all sorts of objects and saying whether the light reflected, stopped, or penetrated.

I love how much ownership they took of their learning!

We love playing with a fun flashlight scavenger hunt for kids !

This fun extension activity went on for quite a while. And it’s something that I know I can keep returning to again and again, adding more challenging terminology as they grow.

What are some other fun science experiments for kids you have done? We’d love to check-out your creative learning ideas!

About alisha warth.

I have raised my children doing activities with them. As a homeschool mom, I am always looking for ways to make our learning fun. I'm honored to be able to contribute my ideas to the awesome site that is Hands On As We Grow.

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

Reader Interactions

19 comments.

Stacey A Johnson says

November 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing! I have been putting science bags together to send home for my kinders because we are doing online school….I was looking for some light activities because we are going to tie them into the holidays we study in December. (The idea that most celebrations, customs, rituals, use some sort of light) I can’t wait to do this with them!

MaleSensePro says

February 10, 2020 at 11:29 pm

Its a great learning experience.. its indeed the best kind of way kids should learn, thanks for sharing :)

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Top 15 Light Related Science Experiments

Light experiments lets us unlock some of nature’s most intriguing riddles and appreciate the magic that illuminates our everyday experiences.

We have carefully selected the best light-related experiments, prioritizing fun and educational experiences that will surely engage young minds.

Our compilation of light experiments will illuminate the minds of students and teachers alike. This curated collection offers an extraordinary opportunity to explore the captivating world of light through hands-on activities.

1. Potato Light Bulb

Prepare to be amazed by the power of potatoes in our extraordinary potato light bulb experiments! In these captivating experiments, students will discover the remarkable ability of a humble potato to generate electricity and light up an LED bulb.

Learn more: Potato Light Bulb

2. Bending Light

In these mesmerizing light experiments, students have the opportunity to unravel the mysteries of refraction and explore the wonders of bending light.

3. Light Refraction

By engaging in these experiments, students will not only witness the mesmerizing effects of light refraction but also gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind it.

4. Newton’s Light Spectrum Experiment

Step into the fascinating world of light and color with Newton’s Light Spectrum Experiment! Inspired by the groundbreaking discoveries of Sir Isaac Newton, these captivating experiments will take students on a journey to explore the nature of light.

5. Newton’s Prism Experiment

Learn about optics and unravel the mysteries of light with Newton’s Prism Experiment. Inspired by Sir Isaac Newton’s groundbreaking discoveries, these experiments offer a thrilling opportunity for students to explore the phenomenon of light dispersion and the creation of a vivid spectrum of colors.

6. Total Internal Reflection

These experiments provide a hands-on opportunity for students to observe and investigate how total internal reflection can be harnessed in practical applications such as fiber optics and reflective surfaces.

7. Colored Light Experiments

Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant world of colors with these captivating colored light experiments! In these hands-on activities, students will uncover the magic of colored light and its intriguing properties.

8. Capture a Light Wave

By employing innovative techniques and tools, students will learn how to capture and analyze light waves, unraveling the secrets hidden within their intricate patterns.

9. Home-made Kaleidescope

Unleash your creativity and embark on a mesmerizing journey of light and patterns with our homemade kaleidoscope experiments! By constructing your very own kaleidoscope, you’ll unlock optical wonders.

Learn more: Home-made Kaleidescope

10. Push Things with Light

Through engaging hands-on activities, students will experiment with the fascinating principles of photon momentum and the transfer of energy through light.

11. Erase Light with a Laser: The Photon Experiment

Can light be erased? Through hands-on activities, students will discover surprising answers. By utilizing lasers, students will learn about the principles of photon absorption and emission, investigating whether it is possible to erase light.

12. Exploring Shapes and Patterns on a Mirror Box

By creating your own mirror box, you’ll learn about optical illusions and reflections. In these experiments, students will explore the fascinating interplay between light, mirrors, and geometry.

Learn more: Exploring Shapes and Patterns on a Mirror Box

13. Electromagnetic Spectrum Experiment

Get ready for an illuminating adventure as we dive into the fascinating world of visible light where students will have the opportunity to explore the electromagnetic spectrum and unravel the mysteries of light.

 14. Light Patterns in a Box

By manipulating light sources and objects, students will witness the magic of shadows, diffraction, and interference, resulting in a dazzling display of intricate patterns and colors.

Learn more: Light Patterns in a Box

15. Light Maze

Prepare to navigate a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting world of light with our captivating light maze experiments! In these immersive activities, students will learn about the magic of manipulating light to create intricate mazes and pathways.

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Science Fair Project – Easy Light Maze

September 9, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

Light travels in straight lines through empty space. If it hits an object some of it is reflected back and the rest is absorbed by the object. It is this reflection of light that allows us to see objects around us. The walls, tables and chairs in your room don’t emit their own light, you can see them because they reflect light either from the sun or artificial light.

When light hits a transparent object ( a window is a good example of this ) some is absorbed and reflected but most passes through.

How does light travel?

Light comes from a light source. This could be the Sun, a torch, a fire or a candle.

Light travels in straight lines and cannot bend. In the mazes below, we used mirrors to reflect light around corners.

When a light ray hits a mirror, it is reflected off the mirror which changes the direction of the light. The angle of the reflected light is the same as the angle of the incoming light.

If the path of the beam of light changes ( you move the torch or the mirror ) the path of the reflected beam also changes.

How to make a light maze

This activity helps children understand that light travels in straight lines but can be reflected.

What you need to make a light maze

Modelling clay – to hold the mirrors

Card and pens ( optional )

Light mazes can be set up as a structured exercise or completely open ended.

I slightly themed our mazes, but that’s obviously completely optional.

Light Maze 1 – Light up the road

This one is set up like a road. The idea is to find a way for the grey car to light up the road around both corners.

Two mirrors allow this to work nicely.

You can see here how each mirror reflects the light.

Light Maze 2 – Light up a safe route

This maze uses just one mirror. The idea is for children to find a way to help the toy soldiers see a safe path around the water and crocodile.

You can see in the photo how one mirror does this nicely.

Light Maze 3 – LEGO Light Maze

We used DUPLO for speed, but Lego would work just as well. I used lots of small mirrors to fit in the corners and had to cut some down to size.

Light Maze Extension Task

Try to create a light maze without using the flashlight to test as you go along. Does it work when you turn on the light source?

Can you create a coloured maze using coloured sheets of cellophane ?

Facts about light

We can see the moon as it reflects light from the sun.

Some animals make their own light! Fireflies are a good example of this.

You can split light into the colours of the rainbow using a prism.

Light travels at 299,792,458 meters per second.

Light from the sun takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the Earth

Did you know most animals don’t recognise their reflection and often attack it?

More light experiments

Create circuits to light up a model village .

Make a rainbow with a prism

Find out why the sky looks blue .

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

April 29, 2024 at 8:49 am

Hi! Fantastic website and terrific resource! My students loved it! On your light maze experiment though, it says that the speed of light is 299,792,458 miles per second. That is not correct. It is 299,792,458 METERS per second, or 186,282 miles per second.

Sorry to be picky, but I’m a science teacher and I used your experiment in class. I was not the one who saw your error originally, it was one of my seventh grade students. Now I know that they were paying attention!

Dave Wilson Science Teacher

April 29, 2024 at 1:06 pm

Thank you, that is now corrected!

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11+ Bright and Shining Light Experiments for Kids

Categories Science Experiments

These light experiments for kids are fun and easy to do. They’re the perfect way to teach them about how light works and even take it further to talk about refraction and reflection as well. You can also use these activities to talk about circuits and how energy travels to create the light that we’ve all come to need and love.

This list of fun science experiments for kids are a great way to show kids that it’s fun to learn by using hands-on experiments as well. These light science activities are all simple and easy to do and produce really bright and cool results!

Here are some great choices for unique light science experiments for kids.

Light Science Experiments for Kids

Kids love learning about light because it’s something we use everyday. If you’re learning about light, you’ll want to try some of the light experiments on this list!

Get ready to learn fun things about how light works, how shadows work, and where light comes from!

Where Does Light Come From?

Light is a form of energy. Energy is a power by which things move. On earth, most of our light comes from the sun.

The sun is a star. Other stars are too far away from our planet to give us usable light.

Light from the sun can travel by particle or by waves. Its wave form is how we see color. Long wavelengths produce colors like red and orange. Shorter light waves generate blues and purples. All the colors together create white light.

Light travels incredibly fast. Light can travel about 186,282 miles per second. Crazy!

Other light sources can include fire, electricity, and even some animals, plants and minerals can give off forms of light.

Supplies for Light Science Activities

Shop these Amazon affiliate links to make sure you’re not missing anything from your light experiments!

My Favorite STEM Products for the Preschool Classroom

These STEM products are perfect for the preschool STEM classroom!

Homer Technology App for Kids 4-6

Mel Science Classroom STEM Kits

Classroom Balance Buckets

Primary Sorting Classroom Bundle

Transparent Color Cubes

Clixo Rainbow Classroom Pack

Pet Home STEM Challenge

Stacking Mirror Blocks

Magnification Blocks

Gravity Physics Tubes

Specimen Viewers Classroom Set

11+ Light Experiments for Kids

Check out these super fun experiments for learning about light!

Learn about the visible light spectrum when you make a rainbow density jar!

Learn about where light comes from when you learn about far away stars and galaxies with this Galaxy Jar Experiment .

Observe how light changes when it is filtered through this Melted Crayon Suncatcher.

Learn about how circuits and electric lights work when you learn How to Use Squishy Circuits .

The kids will love seeing how the light refracts from various angles in this Light Refraction Experiment .

Show them a true light show by using this fun Flashlight Constellations activity.

See how the light affects this oobleck and changes it into a Glow in the Dark Oobleck experiment .

Can you ever have too many Glow in the Dark Science Experiments ? I think not!

The light is what makes these Shadow Experiments so much fun.

Learning about Rainbow Salt Circuit s is a fun and easy way to learn about how electricity can flow through something natural and still make light!

The Easy Static Electricity Experiment with a Balloon is a great way to talk about energy and light flow.

Does the pencil really bend or is it just a refraction of the light? Find out with this bending pencil experiment.

This silver egg science experiment looks like magic, but it’s actually a really cool scientific trick of the light!

Find out if light will shine through different types of rocks.

Explore shapes and light with this geometric light table activity.

More Science Experiments for Kids

How to Make an Instant Ice Rainbow

How to Make a LEGO Rainbow with Classic LEGO Bricks

25 Rainbow Science Experiments with Bright and Beautiful Colors

Rainbow Printables for Kids

Share this project with a friend!

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Light Experiments For Kids (Free Light Worksheets)

Explore the science of light energy with kids! Learn about what light is with a simple definition, and everyday examples of light energy. Grab the free printable light worksheets below, and set up these fun and hands on light experiments for kids!

What Is Light?

Here is a simple definition of light energy for kids:

Light energy is a type of energy that we can see. It is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which means it travels in waves and can move through empty space. It comes from sources like the Sun, light bulbs, and flashlights. Light energy helps us see things around us and can also give off heat. When light hits an object, it can be reflected (bounced back), absorbed (soaked up), or transmitted (passed through).

Free Printable Light Energy Worksheets

Grab the free printable light worksheet pack [here] .

Fun Light Experiments For Kids

Extend the learning with hands-on light science for kids! There are many great ideas for investigating the properties of light.

Color Wheel Spinner

Famous scientist Isaac Newton discovered that light is made up of many colors. Learn more by making a spinning color wheel! Can you make white light from all the different colors?

Does Light Pass Through?

Use flashlights to shine light through everyday objects and discuss whether the materials are transparent, translucent, or opaque. Grab the free printable worksheet!

Drawing Shadows

Observe and draw the shadows of a variety of everyday objects. Experiment with how changing the angle of the light source changes the shadow.

Glow Stick Chemistry

Place glow sticks in different temperatures (the freezer, warm water etc.) and observe how the brightness changes.

Glowing Spinach

Transform ordinary spinach that you eat into a glowing green mixture under ultraviolet light! Explore the phenomenon of fluorescence. A fun light experiment for older year groups.

Kaleidoscope

Create a kaleidoscope and observe the patterns formed by reflected light.

Light Through Different Liquids

Shine a flashlight through different liquids (water, oil, syrup etc.) to explore how light bends (refraction).

Make Rainbows

Explore light and refraction when you make rainbows using a variety of simple supplies including a prism – awesome hands-on science for kids of all ages.

Mirror Reflections

Set up a simple mirror activity for preschool and kindergarten science play and explore light and reflections through hands-on play.

For older students, Investigate how angles and surfaces affect the reflection of light. Set up experiments with mirrors at different angles and observe the angle of reflection.

Pinhole Camera

Create a simple pinhole camera and observe the inverted image formed inside the box. Observe how light travels in straight lines.

Potato Battery

Create a simple electrical circuit to power a light bulb.

Shadow Puppets

Make simple animal shadow puppets and learn about the science of shadows.

Use a pizza box to create a solar oven and cook s’mores, as a fun way to explore solar energy and absorption.

Spectroscope

Create your own DIY spectroscope from a few simple supplies and make a rainbow from visible light for a fun physics project for kids.

Set up a sundial outside and observe how the shadow moves throughout the day.

Place objects on construction paper and leave them in sunlight to create sun prints.

Water Refraction

Why does the image appear reversed? Have fun with a hands-on demonstration of what happens when light bends!

Refraction vs Reflection

Consolidate the learning with the printable activity below!

More Physical Science Activities

Here are a few more science experiments similar to light science that focus on other fundamental physical science concepts. All are engaging, educational and budget-friendly!

• Gravity Experiments
• Magnet Activities
• Simple Machine Projects
• Potential & Kinetic Energy
• Static Electricity
• Surface Tension Experiments

💡 Groudhog Day is also a fun time of year to dive into light science or light energy projects!

Science Experiments By Age Group

We’ve put together a few separate resources for different age groups, but remember that many experiments will cross over and can be re-tried at several different age levels. Younger kiddos can enjoy the simplicity and hands-on fun. At the same time, you can talk back and forth about what is happening.

As kiddos get older, they can bring more complexity to the experiments, including using the scientific method , developing hypotheses, exploring variables , creating different tests, and writing conclusions from analyzing data.

• Science for Toddlers
• Science for Preschoolers
• Science for Kindergarten
• Elementary Science by Season
• Science for 1st Grade
• Science for 2nd Grade
• Science for 3rd Grade
• Science for 4th Grade
• Science for 6th Grade
• Science for Middle School

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

• Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
• Science Vocabulary
• All About Scientists
• Free Science Worksheets
• DIY Science Kits
• Science Tools for Kids
• Scientific Method for Kids
• Citizen Science Guide
• Join us in the Club

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

• 90+ classic science activities  with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information.  NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
• Best science practices posters  and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
• Be a Collector activities pack  introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
• Know the Words Science vocabulary pack  includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
• My science journal writing prompts  explore what it means to be a scientist!!
• Bonus STEAM Project Pack:  Art meets science with doable projects!
• Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics

Subscribe to receive a free 5-Day STEM Challenge Guide

~ projects to try now ~.

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Science Projects for Kids: Reflection and Refraction

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Science Projects for Kids: Reflection and Refraction provides the opportunity to look more closely at the world you. For example, light is all around us. But have you stopped to consider what colors are inside pure white light?

In this article, you'll learn how to experiment with light. Sir Issac Newton discovered that light can be split into many colors -- red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet -- by using a prism. Keep reading to learn how to use a prism.

Find the end of the rainbow when you use a prism and a simple beam of light.­

Click to the next page of science projects for kids: reflection and refraction to discover all the colors within a simple ray of white light.

For more exciting and fun science projects for kids, check out:

• Science Projects for Kids: States of Matter
• Science Projects for Kids: Spectrum of Colors
• Science Projects for Kids: Light and Heat

White light is composed of all the rainbow colors. You can break light down by using prisms.

What You'll Need:

• White paper

Cut a slit in a large piece of cardboard. Place the cardboard in a sunny window so that a shaft of sunlight shines through the slit. In one hand, hold a prism in front of the cardboard so that the sunlight passes through it. With your other hand, hold a sheet of white paper so that the light passing through the prism shines on it. You will see a rainbow of colors on the paper.

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

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Science Experiments

Cool Light Refraction Science Experiment – Arrow Changes Direction!

Magic trick? No, but the results of this experiment are pretty surprising. Kids (and adults) will stare in amazement and scratch their heads wondering what causes the arrow in this experiment to change direction right before their eyes! The secret is light refraction.

Exploring light refraction couldn’t be easier or more fun, simply preview the experiment with our demonstration video below and find an easy to understand explanation of how it works below.

JUMP TO SECTION:   Instructions  |  Video Tutorial  |  How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Piece of Paper

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Light Refraction Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Get a sheet of paper and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.

Step 2 – Fill a glass with water.

Step 3 – Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.

Step 4 –  Look through the glass of water and watch what happens. Do you know why the arrow appears to change directions? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work

The scientific concept that is at work in this experiment is called refraction. Refraction is the bending of light. Refraction occurs when light travels from one medium to another (ie. air to water, water to air).

During the experiment, the light traveled from the image through the air, then through the glass cup into the water, and finally out of the glass cup and into the air once more before it reached our eyes. Light refracts as it passes from one medium to the next because it travels at different speeds through those mediums. Light travels fastest through air, a little slower through water, and even slower through glass.

This means that the light bends once when it travels through the glass cup into the water, and then it bends again when it travels out of the glass cup and into the air. As a result, the light paths cross and the image appears to be flipped horizontally (left/right).

Light Refraction Examples

The following are examples of refraction that occur all around us.

• Glasses or Contacts – The lenses of glasses and contacts are designed to bend light in ways that help a persons improve vision.
• Rainbow – Rainbows are formed when the rays of sunlight bend (refract) when they travel through rain drops.
• Cameras – A camera works because the lens causes the light rays to refract. 

More Experiments that Show Light Refraction

Refraction of Light Science Experiment – Watch as the straw appears to bend in this experiment that shows refraction in action.

Ruler Changes Size Science Experiment  – Observe how the size of an object changed when viewed through different liquids. 

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Light Refraction Science Experiment

Instructions.

• Get a sheet of paper, and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.
• Fill a glass with water.
• Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.
• Look through the glass of water and watch what happens.

Reader Interactions

February 5, 2017 at 9:25 am

THIS IS COOL. MY DAUGHTER WON THE SCHOOL WIDE SCIENCE PROJECT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS EXPERIMENT!

April 20, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Cause of the reflection of the water.

September 10, 2019 at 11:45 am

*refraction

January 7, 2021 at 3:53 pm

I can’t get this to work. I have used a round glass and a square plastic container. I’ve moved the piece of paper close to the container of water and father back. I have lowered the paper quickly and very slowly. Clearly it works, so what am I missing? The size of the arrows? The size of the paper?

Help! I teach a science class to elementary school children and would love to do this. Please answer [email protected]

May 23, 2018 at 7:33 am

This is because of refraction

January 22, 2019 at 3:42 am

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing

May 29, 2019 at 8:03 am

It was very useful and unique. It impressed my teacher a lot.

January 7, 2021 at 4:11 pm

I was finally able to get the arrow to change direction, but it appears that the mechanism is not the water, but the shape of the glass. It did not work with a square or wide straight sided glass. It did work in a straight sided narrow glass, but the arrow was distorted and could be manipulated back and forth by moving the paper.

March 2, 2022 at 2:52 am

Wow, this helped me for my school project i won second place thank you so much

August 4, 2022 at 7:27 pm

I tried this in a square glass container and the arrow does not change direction.

Does the concave/convex shape of the glass have something to do with the result?

May 22, 2023 at 10:07 am

That’s a great question. Do you have multiple glass containers to try the experiment with? That way you can test to see if the shape of the contain changes the results of the experiment. If you try it, come back to let us know what you find.

July 31, 2023 at 6:30 pm

It was refraction that caused the change of direction

It is caused by the refraction or the shape of the glass.

September 28, 2023 at 6:22 am

Thnx, I got 3rd position in my competition! 🤤

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In this interactive resource you can learn about reflection, refraction and dispersion. Then once you've got the basics use mirrors and glass blocks to direct light to a target and unlock new puzzles. Finally build your own light puzzle.

Resource location: http://www.primaryschoolscience.co.uk/Light-Lab/light-interactive-1.html

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If you've found this resource useful, you can share it here, and browse any additional teaching materials for this resource.

You can download the accompanying teaching notes for this resource   here .

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Meaningful Activities for Learning & Creating

February 3, 2016 By Chelsey

Rainbow Science: Creating Light Patterns with a CD

We love rainbow science , and this STEAM / STEM light activity using a blank CD and paper is a really fun one! Not only will kids create rainbow reflections with the CD, but they’ll use paper to alter the patterns of the light.

Follow our Science for Kids and STEM for Kids Pinterest boards!

In the past we’ve used an old or blank CD and flashlight to create rainbow reflections . (We’ve also made all kinds of rainbows with prisms  and a homemade spectroscope !) This time we’re again using a CD to create rainbows, but this time adding cut up paper designs (basically paper snowflakes) to the CD to alter the light patterns. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Materials for Rainbow Science CD Activity

• Blank or old CD

Directions for Rainbow Science CD Activity

1. Find an area of your house or outdoors to do the activity. You’ll want to be able to access sunlight with your CD and have an area in the shade to reflect the rainbows. (If you don’t have a blank wall, you can use a piece of white poster board.)

2. Use the shiny side of the CD to reflect the sunlight onto your poster board or blank wall and notice the rainbow. What does it look like? Notice the shape and colors. What happens when you change the angle of the CD?

3. Now the super fun part! Trace your CD a few times onto paper so you have circles the exact size of your CD and cut them out.

4. Cut out various snowflake shapes using the paper circles. (You can see our tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes here .)

5. Tape one of your paper snowflakes over the shiny side of the CD and reflect the sunlight onto your poster board or wall. How do the patterns of light look different than before?

6. Try out your other paper designs.

What’s Going On?

A CD is a mirrored surface with spiral tracks or pits. These tracks are evenly spaced and diffract the sunlight (separating the colors). Because the CD’s surface is mirrored, the light is reflected to your eye.

The paper is blocking some light rays from the CD, but letting others through creating all kinds of patterns and designs!

Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here , or b uy it now here !