Seeing Colors: Create a Mini Rainbow
Ages 6-1215-20 minutesEasy Difficulty
About This Activity
Explore the science of light and refraction with this fun and simple experiment.
Materials Needed
- A clear glass of water
- A flashlight
- A white piece of paper
- A sunny day or dark room
Safety Notes
- Adult supervision required
- Be careful when handling glass containers
- Clean up any water spills immediately to prevent slipping
Instructions
- Fill the glass with water.
- Turn on the flashlight and shine it through the water onto the paper.
- Position the flashlight so the glass of water bends the light. Move it around until you see a rainbow appear on the paper.
How It Works
The water bends the light, splitting it into all the colors of the rainbow. This process is called refraction, the same phenomenon that creates rainbows in the sky.
Tips for Success
- A darker room will make the rainbow colors easier to see
- Try different angles with the flashlight for the best effect
- Use a white wall instead of paper for a bigger rainbow