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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.
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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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Brighten Up Your Kid’s Day with these Fun and Educational Light Activities
Activities » Science » Brighten Up Your Kid’s Day with these Fun and Educational Light Activities
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Every parent or teacher knows something important: just because kids are learning, doesn’t mean their activities have to be boring! The power of light and its endless applications can turn an otherwise mundane day into one filled with fun and educational interaction.
Science projects, art projects, chemistry experiments–these light activities will keep your students engaged for hours on end while helping boost a variety of skills.
My sons are obsessed with science experiments right now. I figure what better time to do a little experimenting with light than around Groundhog Day, right? Light is one of eight forms of energy. Read on to learn more about some creative ways to bring the world of light into your classroom (or kitchen!).
The other forms are heat, sound, chemical energy, magnetic, nuclear, electromagnetic, and mechanical. Light energy activities are fun and easy to do!
Here are a few light energy experiments for kids that you will enjoy!
What is Light Energy?
According to Solar Schools , light energy is “a form of electromagnetic radiation. Light consists of photons, which are produced when an object’s atoms heat up. The light energy travels in light waves and is the only form of energy visible to the human eye.”
Light energy is the only form of energy that we can actually see directly. It is formed through chemical, radiation, and mechanical means. Light energy can also be converted into other forms of energy. It is nature’s way of transferring energy through space.
Youtube also provides great little tutorials for kids explaining light energy such as the one below:
What is an example of light energy?
An example of light energy is sunlight. Sunlight is a form of electromagnetic radiation that the Sun emits, and it is a vital source of light and energy for life on Earth.
When sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, it can be absorbed by various objects, such as plants, which use the light energy in the process of photosynthesis to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.
Sunlight is also responsible for providing warmth and lighting up our surroundings during the day. In addition to sunlight, light energy can be produced by various artificial sources like light bulbs, lasers, and LEDs.
More Light Energy Examples
Light energy comes in many different forms, including:
- Visible light
- Infrared waves
- Ultraviolet light
- Radio waves
Light Energy Activities with Kids
Trace shadows.
This activity is one of my favorites. Grab a few pieces of chalk on a reasonably sunny day. Go out to your driveway or sidewalk. Have the child stand still and trace his shadow by you or another friend.
Do this activity a few times throughout the day and make observations. You should see the shadow keep the same shape but change the size. The size depends on the angle of the sun.
Dancing Shadows
All you need is a lamp, a piece of white card stock, and a small object. We used a small figurine.
Hold the figurine between the lamp and the piece of yardstick. Move it. Observe the shadow—the shadow changes when the object moves.
Moving Light
Grab your magnifying glass and a piece of blank white paper. Move the magnifying glass close to the paper and away from the paper. Note what happens on the paper. The light on the paper should change sizes.
Light Experiments Your Kids Will Love
Upside down light.
This activity is classic. It would be best if you had light and a big spoon. The light on the inside of the spoon is concave. The light on the other side of the spoon is convex.
Note your observations. The reflection on the concave side of the spoon should be upside down.
Up High Light
It would be best if you had a bowl of water. Use a tray to catch the water that may spill over the sides of the bowl. Place the bowl in the sun’s light. What do you see on the ceiling?
The light reflects on the ceiling and appears to cease the water moving in the bowl.
Make a Rainbow
Having a prism is worth it purely for educational purposes. For example, simply hold the prism to the sunlight and move it around. Subsequently, a rainbow should appear and move with the prism.
The white light is separated into a spectrum of colors (red, orange, yellow, blue, green, and purple). Rain acts as a prism in nature as it reflects the sunlight. You can make a rainbow by using a pan of water in bright sunlight and a small mirror.
Then, place the mirror on the inside of the pan of water and over it until you see a rainbow nearby. Call this your DIY prism.
Bending Pencil
One of my all-time favorite activities to show children. Grab a glass of water (filled halfway) and a pencil. Place the pencil in the water and watch it appear to bend.
This experiment is on my “to-do” list. It would be best if you had a quart-sized milk carton, two small mirrors, tape, and scissors. Cut the side of the milk carton, so it is still attached on one side and fold it back like a door.
Take the two small mirrors inside, slanting facing each other. Cut two small holes in the carton. Tape the flap/door back to hold its place.
Look through the small holes. What do you see? Amazing results with this experiment.
You can see around corners. Light travels in a straight line. It reflects off the mirrors, which enables you to see around corners.
That is a good start for a study of Light Energy for Kids!
How do you study light energy with kids?
Which light experiments do you enjoy?
Are there light activities I left off this list?
I added a few more amazing light energy experiments for kids !
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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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18 Light Energy Activities For Students: Investigation, Games, DIYs, Experiments, And Worksheets
February 24, 2024 // by Christina Swiontek
What do you get when you cross a thought with a light bulb? A bright idea! Teaching the concept of light energy to children can be very inspiring. As children experience light energy-based activities, they make incredible observations. It’s important to provide students with the necessary opportunities for independent discovery. This can be achieved by incorporating hands-on activities into elementary science lessons. The following activity ideas are highly recommended for students who are learning about light forms of energy.
1. Can You See Through Me?
Students will place many different items in front of an illuminated object and predict whether or not they will be able to see through the object. Throughout this process, they’ll learn about light absorption and light transmission.
Learn More: Science Buddies
2. Light Energy Fact Find
Students will first read through the website to learn interesting facts about light energy. Then, they will write down as many facts as they can in a set amount of time. When the timer runs out, students will share their facts.
Learn More: Fire 2 Fusion
3. Reflection and Refraction Board Game
The concept of reflection and refraction is an important part of an elementary light unit. This board game makes learning the content even more fun and engaging. It’s recommended for science centers.
Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers
4. Rainbow Prism
For this experiment, students will have the chance to make their own rainbow prism. You will place a glass prism on or above a white piece of paper, under sunlight. Rotate the prism until the rainbow appears.
Learn More: Rookie Parenting
5. Light Travels
Begin by punching a hole through 3 index cards. Use modeling clay to create a stand for the index cards. Shine the flashlight through the holes. Students will realize that light travels in a straight line.
Learn More: Ducksters
6. Light Spectrum
To start, you will cut out a circle from the base of a paper plate. Then, divide it into 3 equal parts and color one section red, one section green, and one section blue. Follow the directions provided. Students will learn that primary colors turn white when mixed.
7. Light and Dark I Spy
Students will be able to distinguish between sources of light by completing this game-based activity. Encourage them to circle the light sources.
Learn More: Twinkl
8. Light Refraction Magic Trick
Draw two arrows that are both pointing in the same direction. Put a glass of water in front of the drawing and view one or both while looking through the glass. This activity demonstrates light refraction; otherwise known as the bending of light.
Learn More: Go Science Kids
9. Create a Sundial
By creating a sundial, children will learn first-hand about natural light. They will notice how the sun moves across the sky by tracking the positions of shadows on the sundial. Students can be creative and decorate their sundials.
Learn More: Kiwi Co.
10. Making Colored Shadows
You will need 3 different colored light bulbs. You will also need 3 identical lamps, a white background, a dark room, and various objects. Place the objects in front of the lights and watch the shadows turn different colors.
Learn More: Inner Child Fun
11. Sources of Light Video
This video explains how our eyes interact with light to see objects. Many examples of light sources are shown such as artificial light bulbs, the sun, stars, and fire. You can pause the video at various points to ask comprehension questions and for students to make predictions.
Learn More: Kids Academy
12. Identifying Light Sources
As students learn about various light sources, learners can use this graphic organizer to categorize them as natural or artificial. For example, they would include the sun and stars in the “natural” box and light bulbs in the “artificial” box.
Learn More: Kids Konnect
13. Make a Peepbox
Use a shoe box and cut out a window flap in the lid. Cut out a peephole on the side of the box. Fill up the box and have students look in the hole with the window flap closed and open. They will quickly learn the importance of light.
Learn More: Kindergarten Lessons
14. Light Reflection Collage
For this activity, students will make a collage of items that reflect light. You can give them a bunch of random objects and they can test each one. If they do, they can glue it onto their collage.
15. DIY Pinhole Camera
A pinhole camera proves that light travels in a straight line. You will make a light-proof box with a small hole on one side and tracing paper on the other. When rays of light go through the hole, you will see an upside-down image at the back of the box.
Learn More: Smart Class 4 Kids
16. Light Sources Poster
Students can make their own light sources posters, using this one as an example. I would recommend printing the web that says “Light Sources” in the middle with the arrows pointing out. Then, students can add pictures of various light sources.
17. Light Pattern Box
Making a light pattern box is not only educational but also a great way to entertain your kiddos. The point of this activity is to create mylar tubes that reflect light. Patterns appear as angles are moved around. Step-by-step instructions with photos are included.
Learn More: Buggy and Buddy
18. Make a Kaleidoscope
Kaleidoscopes are a fantastic way to interact with light. You will use mylar sheets to form a triangular prism. Place it inside an empty toilet paper roll. Draw pictures on a cardstock circle and tape a cut a bendy straw to attach it. Look inside toward the light and be amazed!
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.
Similar Posts:
- 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
- Top 100 Fine Motor Skills Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
- Top 58 Creative Art Activities for Kids and Preschoolers
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Hameray Classroom Literacy Blog
Stem at home: 5 activities to explore light energy.
This is a guest blog post from first-grade teacher and How Light Travels author Lyssa Sahadevan.
2. Light Hunt
Now that they have thought about the different types of light sources and the ways they use light, send them on a light hunt! Have them go around the home on a scavenger hunt, looking for up to ten sources of light. After they complete their quest, sit down with them and discuss whether each item uses artificial or natural light.
Parents can help children begin to understand the difference between the two by asking questions such as these: “ Is this light human-made, or does it have a natural source? Is this light source controlled by electricity or nature? Can we turn it off and on? ”
3. Traveling Light
Kids can see this for themselves by walking around the home and seeing how light interacts with different items, placing each item in the following categories:
- If light passes easily through an object, it is transparent . Clear windows and water are transparent objects.
- If only some light passes through an object, it is translucent . Frosted glass is a translucent object.
- If light cannot pass through an object, the object is opaque . Wood and stone are opaque objects.
After the kids have completed their walkaround, ask them to compare and contrast the items in each category. Parents can guide this with questions like these: " What do these items have in common? What are some physical differences between the items? Could these differences have an impact on how the light interacts with them? " To follow up, ask the child if the similarities or differences they have noted can be applied to all items within the same category (opaque, translucent, or transparent).
4. Shadow Hunt
As kids learned in the previous activity, light travels in a straight line, and when it can’t pass through an object that is placed into the line of light, a shadow is formed. The shape of the shadow can be changed by moving the object closer to or farther away from the light source and vice versa.
How shadows occur is an important concept for kids to understand. Grasping this concept involves a higher level of thinking: they need to understand not only why the shadow appears, but also why it changes based on the physical relation between the item and the light source, which involves introduction to the concept of depth.
Have kids gather an assortment of objects, ensuring that they are a variety of sizes, shapes, and materials. Instruct them to shine their flashlight on each individual object. As they test out each object, encourage them to play with the object’s shadow, seeing if it changes based on the distance from the light. Direct them record their observations in their Flashlight Book. Ask them to consider why a shadow formed or did not form. Tell them to compare and contract the similarities and differences between the objects they choose, then ask how each object’s physical characteristics relate to its shadow or lack thereof.
5. Predicting Light
Light is an essential part of our everyday life and a is a key science topic that children need to comprehend. The more fun, hands-on experiences that educators and parents can provide to help learners understand the properties of light, the better. Have fun with light, and watch your child’s vocabulary and understanding grow!
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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!
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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.
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Enjoy Teaching Light Energy with Activities for Kids
Teaching light energy can be loads of fun. Even if you’re on a tight budget. Five simple activities for kids help them understand light concepts. A little light reading drives them home. And some fun videos reinforce it all.
Ms. Sneed Prepares for Teaching Light Energy
Our favorite fourth grade teacher sat at the side table with her teaching partner. “Let’s continue planning our physical science activities ,” she said. “Next up, teaching light energy.”
Mr. Frank clicked around on his laptop. Soon, he found the Next Generation Science Standards. “Looks like our students studied light in first grade, but now it’s time to extend their learning. Here’s our directive:
NGSS 4-PS3-2 Make observations to provide evidence that energy can be transferred from place to place by sound, light, heat, and electric currents.
“Hmm,” Ms. Sneed said, “looks like we’ll be teaching lots of forms of energy . In addition to light, kids need to learn about sound , heat , and electric currents . If possible, I’d like to use science stations . Like our other units, they can explore with hands-on activities and make generalizations .”
Once again, Mr. Frank clicked around on his laptop “Hey, check out this light unit .”
As he turned the screen toward Ms. Sneed, he scrolled through the preview. “This resource includes five stations, or labs, on these topics:
- How light travels
- Transparent, translucent, opaque
“Looks good, right?”
Mr. Frank nodded. “Actually, I’d say it’s just what we’re looking for.”
Station 1: Teaching Light Energy and How It Travels
“In the first station,” Mr. Frank said, “kids will explore how light travels. Obviously activities should bring them to the conclusion that light travels in a straight line.”
Ms. Sneed looked a little more closely at the page. “First, kids look in a mirror and touch the right sides of their faces. Then they figure out which side of the face appears to be touched in the mirror. This establishes the idea of a mirror image.
“Second, they write their names on slips of paper. When hold it in front of the mirror, the writing appears backward.”
“Third, they work together. After setting a textbook upright on the table, they shine a flashlight on the book. Now, using three mirrors, they find a way to shine the light on the back of the book. Wow, this will be a fun challenge.”
“Not only that,” said Mr. Frank, “it will definitely show them that light travels in a straight line!”
Ms. Sneed nodded. “For this station,” she said, we’ll need mirrors, paper, a pencil, and some textbooks. Actually, I have all of those materials in my science cabinet.”
Station 2: Teaching Light Energy – Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Objects
Mr. Frank scrolled to the next activity. “In this lab,” he said, “kids determine which materials are transparent, translucent, and opaque.
“First, they shine a flashlight on the wall. Next, they place various objects in front of the flashlight (plastic wrap, tissue plate, wood, paper plate, etc.) On their lab sheets, they write the name of each in the correct column: transparent, translucent, or opaque.”
“Aha,” said Ms. Sneed. “They’ll realize that light travels through clear objects. They also see that density, thickness, and color determine whether an object is translucent or opaque.
“And once again, the materials for teaching light are simple. Sure, we may need to buy a few flashlights, but the rest of the supplies can easily be found in our classrooms.”
Station 3: Teaching Reflection of Light Energy
On cue, Mr. Frank scrolled to the next activity. “This is really similar to the previous lab,” he said. “However, at this station, they will hold each object one foot from the wall. Then they’ll shine a flashlight on the side of the object facing the wall. Finally, they look at the wall to see if any light reflects. Once again, they’ll test everyday materials.”
“And once again,” said Ms. Sneed, “they’ll record their findings on a table.”
“I see that the students will use words to describe objects that reflect light. What do you think they’ll say?”
“In my opinion, kids might use words like smooth , dense , and shiny . Furthermore, I’ll bet they’ll use adjectives like soft , rough , and bumpy when discussing those that don’t.”
Mr. Frank nodded. “I really like these activities for teaching light energy.”
Station 4: Teaching Refraction of Light Energy
“At the fourth station,” Ms. Sneed continued, “kids use three more hands-on activities to explore light energy.
“First, they fill a clear plastic cup halfway with water. Then they place a pencil in the cup. Now they look at the cup from the side. Ah yes, the pencil will appear to be split in half! Simple yet profound!
“Second, they place a penny in an empty opaque cup. Next, they look into the cup then back away until the penny is no longer visible. Finally, another student slowly pours water into the cup. Another surprise – the penny will appear.
“Third, kids place a drop of water on some wax paper. Obviously, the drop of water will magnify objects placed under it.”
“More great activities for teaching light,” Mr. Frank commented. “With just a few simple materials, they will understand that refraction. You know, when light travels from a gas (air) into a liquid (water), it is bent, or refracted.”
Station 5: What Is Color?
“The next station explores color,” said Ms. Sneed.
As the two teachers studied the lab sheet, Mr. Frank grinned. “In this lab, kids make rainbows. Wow, teaching light this way will be fun!”
Ms. Sneed nodded and smiled. “Yep. First, they shine a flashlight into a prism or onto the surface of a compact disk. Then they draw a picture of the rainbow they see.
“Second, they blow bubbles and let them rest on dark paper. On the surface of the bubble, a rainbow again appears. Although they won’t know the scientific terminology, our kids will quickly realize that white light can be split into the visible spectrum.”
“I’m so glad that it recommends using a compact disk,” said Mr. Frank. “I can never get a rainbow to form using a prism. But shining light on a CD will do the trick.”
Teaching Light Energy with Media
“After teaching light energy with the stations,” Mr. Frank said, “the class will discuss their findings. Then we can share some light videos with them.”
“What?”
“Yep, the file included videos that relate to each concept.”
“Awesome!”
“Then,” Mr. Frank continued, “to culminate the unit, kids will do a little reading on the topic of light.” He pointed to the page on the screen. “This article will extend learning and introduce new vocabulary. Additionally, it will let us integrate reading and science .”
The Light Unit
“In addition to the labs and reading,” said Ms. Sneed, “we’ll finish teaching light energy with review, and an assessment. Thankfully, they’re included.”
Mr. Frank scrolled a little farther in the file. “And look! Extension activities are included. Kids can do a chromatography experiment, make white light, and play around with shadows.”
Ms. Sneed pulled out her plan book and filled in her light lesson plans . “This is going to be awesome,” she said. “If we use only the stations, reading, videos, and assessment, we should be able to do it in five days. But with all of those extra activities, I’d really like to extend it to two weeks.”
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Light Energy Lesson Module
In the Light Energy module, students learn that light energy is the energy that allows them to see the matter around them. Through interactive lesson and activities, students explore the differences between natural and man-made light.
Core Concept
Light energy is energy that can be seen and is generated by natural and manmade sources.
Essential Vocabulary
Light energy, generate, manmade, natural, opaque, reflect, reflection, shadow, surface, transparent, wave
Lesson Plan
Interactive Demos
Reflect and Produce
This Elaborate session allows students to apply what they have learned to new situations. In this session, students participate in a selection of activities that focus on science process skills and content understanding. To complete the session, students work independently, or with peers, to complete an offline activity that reinforces science process skills.
Light Energy Song
This Elaborate session promotes the use of formal definitions and explanations in a format not traditionally used in science instruction. In this session, students view an animated literature piece and use their digital Notebook to record their ideas. Students also participate in a teacher-led discussion that emphasizes the science content. To complete the session, students participate in offline activities that reinforce the connection between science, literature, and the arts.
Professional Development
Science4Us provides the essentials that teachers need to confidently and effectively lead a classroom in any science lesson. This demo shows:
- One section of the "Teacher Explain"
- One of the 40 teacher support documents
Additional Information
Light energy is energy that can be seen and used to see the matter around us. It can be manmade or natural, like the light from the sun. In this module students are introduced to the characteristics and properties of light energy, its uses, and various sources of manmade and natural light.
By completing computer and hands-on activities, students experiment with the concepts of transparent and opaque objects, shadow and reflection. As they record what they’ve learned, students build math and science skills by measuring length and making a graph to log results.
Take the online material further by making use of the professional development available in the form of printable teacher guides. These teacher guides include hands-on activities, follow-up discussion questions and more to help students recall information and enhance the online activities.
Additional professional development is available in the form of Teacher Lessons. These help you prepare for each lesson by allowing you to go over the student material prior to implementation. In addition, you will get a chance to review best practices, vocabulary extensions, content background and more. Reviewing all the covered concepts will help your students enhance their learning, improve retention and ensure clarity, preventing common misconceptions. For example, students may have the misconception that light is something they can touch or hold. In fact, light energy, like all forms of energy, is the result of matter interacting and cannot be held in their hand.
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Meaningful Activities for Learning & Creating
January 26, 2016 By Chelsey
Rainbow Science for Kids: Homemade Spectroscope
Make a homemade spectroscope with a few simple materials and explore the spectrum of different light sources. You’ll see all kinds of rainbows ! This science activity for kids makes a great addition to a unit on light or weather and is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day too!
Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!
Light experiments are always fun, especially when they involve rainbows! In this science activity kids will make their own spectroscope- an instrument used to split light into different wavelengths, which we see as different colors of the rainbow. (This post contains affiliate links.)
Be sure to check out our other light experiments for kids:
Exploring Prisms
Rainbow Reflections
Exploring Reflections in Mirrors
How to Make a Homemade Spectroscope
Materials for homemade spectroscope.
- Empty paper towel roll
- Craft knife and/or scissors
- Blank or old CD
- Small piece of cardboard or cardstock
- Paint (optional)
Making a Homemade Spectroscope
1. If you’ll be painting your paper towel roll, you’ll want to do that first and let it dry. (This step isn’t necessary, but it’s hard for us to pass up an opportunity to paint something!)
2. Use a craft knife (an adult should do this) to cut a thin slit at a 45° angle toward the bottom of the cardboard tube.
3. Directly across from the slit, make a small peephole or viewing hole using your craft knife (another step for an adult).
4. Trace one end of your paper towel roll onto your small scrap of cardboard or cardstock . Cut it out.
5. Cut a straight slit right across the center of your cardboard circle.
6. Tape the circle to the top of your spectroscope.
7. Insert the CD into your 45° angled slit with the shiny side facing up.
Using the Homemade Spectroscope
Start by taking your spectroscope outside. Point the top slit up at the sky (NOT directly at the sun). Look through the peephole. You will see a rainbow inside!
Now try your spectroscope with other light sources like fluorescent light, neon light and candle light. Compare what you see!
What’s going on?
A CD is a mirrored surface with spiral tracks or pits. These tracks are evenly spaced and diffract light (separating the colors). Because the CD’s surface is mirrored, the light is reflected to your eye.
See More Science Activities Here!
Be sure to check out all our science activities for kids .
LIGHT SCIENCE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Introduce color and light science activities for kids during the winter season.
Lights are everywhere, and papers, ribbons and objects that glitter, sparkle and reflect are easily available.
Give students plenty of hands on experiences by collecting or borrowing flashlights, LED lights, a lightbox (plastic, not glass), kaleidoscopes, electric tea lights, prisms and transparent plastic objects. These will permit them to have lots of hands on experiences to learn about transparency, reflections and shadows.
Also introduce sources of light, that light is all around us and it comes in many forms. Use non-fiction books to simplify science concepts for young children.
Light Sources
- Brainstorm with the kids to see how many light sources your students can think of. They may say: the sun, the moon, the stars, flashlights, light bulbs, fire, fireflies, rainbows, matches, fireworks, lamps, and lasers.
- Have the students make a book or poster about sources of light to record their thinking . Have the children draw and cut out sources of light or use the FREE LIGHT SOURCE TRACERS here.
Materials to Gather for Science Activities
- flashlights
- plastic light box
- a light brite™
- Old shiny cds that reflect light
- black construction
- colored tissue – light and dark
- transparent papers
- cellophane paper in different colors
- glittery christmas cards
- reflective ribbons
- metal mirrors
- concave and convex lens (plastic)
- kaleidoscope
- plastic prisms
- optical illusions and blind spot pictures
- glitter and glitter paint
- shiny stickers with stars, circles, or light source shapes
Make a “lights in the sky” picture
- Black circle for dark
- Yellow circle with glitter on the edges for Light
- Half black circle on a white circle for night and day
- White circle with a yellow circle sticker for the sun
- White circle with an orange circle for the moon
- White circle with star stickers for the stars
Margaret Wise Brown’s classic “Goodnight Moon” is a wonderful tale. As you read through the story, the light in the room gently fades until the room is dark.
A wonderful winter tale.
In the great green room
There was a telephone
And a red balloon
And a picture of the cow jumping over the moon
And there were three little bears sitting on chairs
And two little kittens
And a pair of mittens
And a little toy house
And a young mouse
And a comb and a brush and a bowl full of mush
And a quiet old lady who was whispering “hush”
Goodnight room
Goodnight moon
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IMAGES
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COMMENTS
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.
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 ...
What is Light Energy? According to Solar Schools, light energy is "a form of electromagnetic radiation. Light consists of photons, which are produced when an object's atoms heat up. The light energy travels in light waves and is the only form of energy visible to the human eye.". Light energy is the only form of energy that we can actually see directly.
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 ...
As children experience light energy-based activities, they make incredible observations. It's important to provide students with the necessary opportunities for independent discovery. This can be achieved by incorporating hands-on activities into elementary science lessons. ... Learn More: Kindergarten Lessons. 14. Light Reflection Collage ...
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.
The free STEM projects, experiments, lessons and activities below help educators teach K-12 students about the physics of light, specifically, visible light, with hands-on exploration and active learning. The resources below have been grouped by grade band to help educators select the experiments and lessons that best fit their needs.
Light is a type of energy that allows us to see and interact with the world around us. It can move through things. It can travel in different ways when it hits different objects. Light is a cool science concept to explore with young children! 1. Brainstorm Prompt kids to think about different types of light sources.
11+ really cool light experiments for kids! Learn about where light comes from, how light travels, ways light can bend, and more! ... The Easy Static Electricity Experiment with a Balloon is a great way to talk about energy and light flow. ... 10+ Engaging and Fun Patriotic Activities for Preschool. Magical Disney Science Activities Inspired by ...
Station 4: Teaching Refraction of Light Energy. "At the fourth station," Ms. Sneed continued, "kids use three more hands-on activities to explore light energy. "First, they fill a clear plastic cup halfway with water. Then they place a pencil in the cup. Now they look at the cup from the side.
Explore Light Patterns with a Mylar Light Box from Buggy and Buddy. Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here, or b uy it now here! Here's a fun collection of light science for kids! You'll find light science experiments about both light refraction and light reflection in this science roundup.
Light Energy Lessons for Second Grade: Experiments. One of the best ways to teach students about a new topic is through a fun hands-on experiment. So, here are 4 activities that I like to add to my light energy lessons. BONUS, my class loves to do these low-prep experiments each year, and they always show a better understanding of light energy ...
Light energy is energy that can be seen and used to see the matter around us. It can be manmade or natural, like the light from the sun. In this module students are introduced to the characteristics and properties of light energy, its uses, and various sources of manmade and natural light. By completing computer and hands-on activities ...
Pretty up a sunny window with a homemade sun catcher. 9. Catch the Sun. Explore natural light by making a simple and colorful sun catcher and placing it on a window. 10. Rainbow Play. Shine a light on old CDs, mirrors, a prism, or even a glass of water to experiment with splitting light into a rainbow.
In this Episode of Jojo Science show we do 10 easy, amazing and interesting experiments for kids based on light. These experiments will spark kids interest i...
Light energy travels in waves or "rays" and can only be seen. In this educational video for kids, you will learn all about the properties light energy, both...
See how light bends with this fun Science experiments you can do at home. Light doesn't always seem to bend in a straight line when you add water. It almost ...
This science activity for kids makes a great addition to a unit on light or weather and is perfect for St. Patrick's Day too! Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board! Light experiments are always fun, especially when they involve rainbows! In this science activity kids will make their own spectroscope- an instrument used to split light ...
Energy & Power STEM Activities for Kids. (7 results) Whether you are working, studying, or being entertained, much of our daily routines rely on being plugged-in. You probably don't spend a lot of time thinking about where all that power comes from, but someone has to! Figuring out the best ways to produce energy is a big job that is growing ...
Make a "lights in the sky" picture. Children learn that the sun is our main source of energy. Show dark and light, day and night, and sources of light in the sky. Use stickers to make the moon, sun and stars. Add glitter to the light circle. Margaret Wise Brown's classic "Goodnight Moon" is a wonderful tale.
Turn on the lights and discover the science subject of light for kids with our cool range of experiments, free games, science fair projects, fun facts, interesting quizzes, videos and more! Learn about rainbows, camouflage, color, stars, eyes and all kinds of interesting light topics. As well as activities for children, there are also lesson ...
Bring light, sound and heat alive for kids with 10 hands-on and motivating science centers and activities. Study light, sound, heat, refraction, reflection, transparent, translucent, opaque, volume and pitch. Grab the bundle in our shop! Peek Inside. The engaging set includes 10 kid-friendly posters, an interactive flip book, dabbing sheets,
Light And Sound Science Experiments. Easy light and sound science experiments you can do at home! Click on the experiment image or the view experiment link below for each experiment on this page to see the materials needed and procedure. Have fun trying these experiments at home or use them for SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT IDEAS.
Literacy Activities for Five Senses and Emotions Preschool Theme. Activities focused on emotions and the five senses provide an exciting avenue for preschoolers to develop their literacy skills. Whether through sensory-based storytelling, emotion word strips, or interactive worksheets, there's something for every child to enjoy!