light box experiment

Faith, Family and Home Education

Light Box Magic

May 31, 2012 by Janine 63 Comments

Teach kids about light refraction with this fun science experiment for kids.

Also let them watch this video to find out how people use light refraction to light their homes!

How to Make a Sunlight Box:

You’ll need a big box, plastic water bottles, duct tape, scissors, and kids of course!  Optional: Paint, Paintbrushes, Food Coloring, Bleach, Foil, Cups that fit over bottles.

Step 1: Let the kids paint the box!

Step 2: fill the bottles with water..

For more fun add food coloring to some of the bottles.  I recommend regular sized bottles; around 16oz. Mine were a little small.  (If you are going to keep them for a while then you can put bleach in them, but I would skip it.)

Step 3: Trace

Trace the bottom of the bottles on the top of the box and cut holes.  Put tinfoil on the top of the box to help the light reflect into the bottles.

Step 4: Make a Viewing Window

Cut a hole in the side of the box to look inside.  I recommend cutting a smaller window or just eye holes.

Step 5: Let the experimenting begin!

Push bottles into holes and have the children take turns looking in the viewing window.  My daughter Audrey put her hands over the bottles to create a “light show” and I brought some cups out to make it easier.

The Science behind it:

When light from the sun hits a solid object, like the cup, it is absorbed.  When light  hits the water in the bottle, it bends in all different directions.  It bends because the water makes the light slow down.  This is called refraction.  The water makes the light spread out in the box.  I also gave the example of being by the pool.  I told the kids we have to wear lots of sunscreen by the pool because the water makes the light spread out and we can burn easily from the light.  You can also show the children what the light does when there are just holes in the top of the box and no water bottle.

A Liter of Light needs your help to bring an even better light solution to people around the world!  Do the experiment above in your school or home and go to their website to learn how you can help!

Want to give your child a head start?

Check out our Preschool Curriculum!

About Janine

Janine LaTulippe is the Mother of 6 blessings. She believes that an elite education begins in the Home. Her sites  www.BlueManorAcademy.com  and  www.TrueAimEducation.com  provide curriculum, free resources, and inspiration for Homeschoolers!

June 1, 2012 at 5:20 am

What a cool experiment! Definitely going to pin this so I remember to do it with my girls. Thanks! Tonya http://www.stringskeysandmelodies.blogspot.com

June 3, 2012 at 5:59 am

Hi Tonya, Thanks for stopping by. I hope your girls have lots of fun with it.

June 1, 2012 at 1:22 pm

This experiment was great, and the kids LOVE it!! Thank you, Melissa

June 3, 2012 at 5:58 am

Thanks Melissa!

June 1, 2012 at 1:54 pm

That is so cool! Thanks for sharing at the Pomp Party! Pinning to our Pomp Party board!

Jill @ Create.Craft.Love.

June 1, 2012 at 7:14 pm

What a cool experiment! I’ll be showing this to my husband this weekend.

Thanks for linking up to our Finished Friday blog party .

June 2, 2012 at 1:58 am

Neat! oh my boys are going to LOVE this!! Adding it to my Summer’s “to do list” 😉 TY!

June 2, 2012 at 3:38 am

I LOVE this! What a cool experiment. I can’t wait to try this with my kids.

June 2, 2012 at 4:05 am

So excited for you to try it. It is also a good idea to keep in mind for prepping 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.

June 2, 2012 at 5:25 am

wow! this is so cool! newest follower. Thanks for stopping by my blog to say hello. it’s always fun to meet another Janine -or- Janiene 🙂 hehehe

Blessings! Janiene

June 2, 2012 at 6:10 am

This is really cool. I couldn’t tell what was going on initially, so it was fun to see it all come together.

June 3, 2012 at 5:57 am

I didn’t know if it would work at first, but it was really awesome. I spent a lot of time looking in it too.

June 2, 2012 at 9:49 pm

This is awesome! I am starting homeschooling this fall so I saved this to my favorites for future reference.

So glad you like it. I wish you the best in your homeschooling adventure!

June 3, 2012 at 8:50 am

These look like a lot of fun! My daughter really loves exploring light, so I’ll have to give this a try. Thanks for stopping by Homeschool Mo! Following back, but by RSS feed since Google Friend Connect is so weird these days.

June 4, 2012 at 11:32 pm

Thanks for taking a look and following. I hope your daughter likes it as much as my girls did.

June 3, 2012 at 6:59 pm

How fun ! My boys love experimenting with light, and I can see this being a big hit. Thanks for sharing.

June 4, 2012 at 7:31 am

This is so fun. I’m always looking for fun ideas and experiments to do with my three boys. I can tell they’ll really like this one.

June 4, 2012 at 2:05 pm

I love this idea!! I am going to pin this on my Pinterest board….thanks so much for linking up to A Marvelous Mess!!

June 5, 2012 at 2:03 am

Hi Janine, just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris http://chelencarter-retiredandlovingit.blogspot.ca/

June 5, 2012 at 3:29 am

I want to try this!!!! The kids can even play with me too!!! Thanks for such an amazing post!

June 5, 2012 at 4:22 am

What a fantastic idea…can’t wait to try this with my twins! Thanks so much for sharing with the Weekly Kid’s Co-Op…i’m pinning it to our board this week!

June 5, 2012 at 3:29 pm

Thanks! I always love the Co-Op. So many creative people.

June 5, 2012 at 5:54 am

Hey there! Love your blog! I found you via the MMM blog hop and just added myself to your followers! Also I wanted to invite you to come enter a fabulous Steve Madden giveaway I’m having right now!! Hope to see you there! And thanks so much lady! Emily

http://emilymmeyers.blogspot.com/2012/06/steve-madden-giveaway.html

June 5, 2012 at 8:38 pm

Thanks Emily. I will check it out.

June 5, 2012 at 4:43 pm

This sounds like so much fun!!! Thank you for sharing it, I pinned it to my Pinterest to help me to remember!

June 12, 2012 at 3:24 am

Thanks Kristi, it was a lot of fun. I couldn’t stop looking in the box. The kids had to ask for a turn.lol

June 5, 2012 at 5:21 pm

Oh this looks like such a fun activity! Thanks for sharing it!!

I would love it if you would share this post on the Back To School Monday Homeschooling Link-Up! I really think my readers will enjoy it!

http://susangodfrey.com/category/homeschool/back-to-school-monday/

Blessings! Susan Godfrey Finding Beauty – http://www.susangodfrey.com

June 5, 2012 at 8:36 pm

I would love to share this with your readers. Thanks for letting me know about the link-up. I will do it next monday thanks!

June 6, 2012 at 11:42 am

What a cool science lesson! I love the way the light bounces on the walls! Thanks for sharing at tip toe thru tuesday! Kim

June 6, 2012 at 12:28 pm

I can’t wait to try this experiment!

June 7, 2012 at 1:22 pm

This is so cool! What a fun idea! Thanks for sharing!

June 8, 2012 at 4:33 am

What a fun project for kids.. Love it.. I’m pinning it. Thanks for linking up at friday fun party

June 8, 2012 at 4:29 pm

I’ve never seen this before. Good I can now use my left over boxes from moving for my daughters. It’s a very cool idea. I have to add too that your pictures are great!

June 8, 2012 at 7:55 pm

You’re being featured on Saturday Show & Tell this week! I’d love to invite you to share this on the Summer Activities for Toddlers Collection Summer Link Up Collection! http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/summer-activities-for-toddlers/

Thanks for sharing last week; hope to see you again this week! Mackenzie 🙂 http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com

June 8, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Thanks Mackenzie. I will do that!

June 11, 2012 at 6:14 pm

What a fascinating experiment! I loved that video too. How amazing, using natural, essentially free items to solve a problem! Thanks for sharing with us at Trivium Tuesdays!

June 12, 2012 at 3:28 am

Hi Amy, I’m glad you liked it. The kids really liked watching the video and seeing people using what they had created. It also help start conversations about being thankful to God for what we have because other people can’t even afford to light their homes.

June 12, 2012 at 3:46 pm

I just loved this idea so much that I had to feature it as my spotlighted project of the week! Swing by and grab a button when you get a chance! Kim tiarasandbowties.blogspot.com Tip Toe Thru Tuesday linky

June 12, 2012 at 8:17 pm

Thanks Kimberly. I will!

June 12, 2012 at 5:18 pm

I LOVE this idea!! I’m going to feature it on my PreschoolPowolPackets Facebook page–thanks so much for sharing it at Teach Me Tuesday!!

Thank you Carla. I’m glad you liked it.

June 26, 2012 at 3:01 am

What a fun interactive experiment. This is the kind of project your kids don’t even realize they are actually learning something because they are having so much fun doing it!

June 30, 2012 at 8:58 am

OMG!! This is a very beautiful experiment and I know that the kids had so much fun doing this. Thanks for sharing and thanks for stopping by my blog. I look forward being part of your blog..

July 12, 2012 at 6:35 am

Thank you for this! My son is a science nerd and loves doing experiments. I’m pinning this for future reference (it’s winter here at the moment and not too sunny – this will be great over the summer holidays!) Thanks for visiting Maker*land and following along – I’m returning the favour and will be sure to visit often. Cheers! 🙂

July 15, 2012 at 11:28 am

That is a brilliant experiment! I shall be having a go at this one.

Thanks for sharing on Family Frolics!

December 3, 2012 at 8:09 pm

Very cool and so simple to do with materials on hand. Thanks for the great idea!

May 8, 2013 at 10:20 pm

How fun! And the results were beautiful too! Next time I get my hands on a big box we might have to try this out!

June 25, 2013 at 8:41 am

That’s a pretty cool experiment!

June 26, 2013 at 7:11 am

This is a super fun idea!!

June 27, 2013 at 5:20 am

That’s a cool activity!

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[…] Use this activity to create a conversation about how the sun and water work together.Learn more: True Aim The Blue Manor BlogThis engaging video is well-paced and informative at an age-appropriate level for pre-K students.  […]

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Color and Light Experiments with a Light Box

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Did you see my post a while back about color mixing with light ?  Well we did some more color and light experiments by making a light box.  This was a really awesome way to learn all about reflection and refraction of light as well as colors. I can’t wait to show it all to you!

How to Make a Light Box:

There are a few supplies you will need for this project.

Shoebox Colored Cellophane Prisms Mirrors Popsicle Sticks Light Bulb and portable cord to attach it

How to To Make the Light Box:

To make the light box, I started by covering my box in black paper just to look better, it is definitely not necessary.

At one end, you need to cut a hole in the box that will fit the light bulb and cord. The bulb will be inside the box, so you will want there to be enough space so it is not touching any sides of the box. This could start a fire!

Cut a square out of the other side of the box to fit your colored slides.

How To Make the Colored Slides:

I used popsicle sticks, tape and colored cellophane for this. For the solid colored ones, you just make a frame with the sticks and some glue. We used school glue, but hot glue would be quicker.

Let the sticks dry and then tape on the cellophane. Glue does not hold the cellophane on.

We tried an orange and a purple one by doing double layers, but you could easily mix colors by placing two frames together.

For the multicolored frame, you will need to make the square frame then add additional popsicle sticks going through the center. Then tape the separate colors to each section. I did it with red blue and green.

I also made a pinhole frame and one with a small slit in the center. These were done with black construction paper so only a small section of light can come through. It helps pinpoint light to specific places.

Color and Light Experiments with the Light Box:

Now comes the fun part!  Try experimenting with prisms, different colors of light and mirrors. Find a dark place to do this so it will work better. I laid out a white sheet so we could really see the color and light well.

For this image below we used the slide with a small slit in the center and a prism. We could direct the light by turning the prism. Add in some mirrors to reflect the light different ways, too. You will need a few hands involved!

For this one, we used the three-colored slide and three prisms. It was so cool to see the colored light divide out. My kids were fascinated by this one!

We loved the multi-colored slide a lot!

As you can see that seems to be what we played with the most!

We were having way too much fun with the color and light experiments!  You have got to try it out!

More Color and Light Experiments:

Try C olor Mixing with Light

See our Color Mixing with Play Dough !

Rainbow Color Mixing In Bubble Wrap

Shadow Drawing: Make a Human Sundial

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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Activity bags swap, 10 comments.

Can I use a normal mirror for the experiment? I could not find any prisms in my country 🙁

You can use mirrors, but they won’t bend the light in the same was as a prism. It can still be fun, though!

Thank u for the reply

What is the conclusion? I need it for the science project.

what is the conclusion of this experiment?

how do you make the box?

It is just a cardboard box covered in black paper.

What does this teach the children? What are we trying to get them to understand?

I don’t have colored cellophane. Will Tissue Paper work?

I think it would! It’s worth a try.

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Science Experiment for Kids: Light Box Magic

Introduction: Science Experiment for Kids: Light Box Magic

Step 1: Motivate

Step 2: gather materials.

Step 3: (Optional) Let the Kids Paint the Box

Step 4: Fill the Bottles With Water. for More Fun Add Food Coloring to Some of the Bottles.

Step 5: Trace the Bottom of the Bottles on the Top of the Box and Cut Holes.

Step 6: Cut a Hole in the Side of the Box to Look Inside.

Step 7: Push Bottles Into Holes and Let the Experimenting Begin!

Step 8: Explain the Science Behind It

Finalist in the Hands-on Learning Contest

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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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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.

Similar Posts:

• 68 Best Chemistry Experiments: Learn About Chemical Reactions
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Ignite Your Kids’ Curiosity with These 16 Dazzling Light Experiments

Activities » Science » 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

How to Make a Pulley with Kids - Easy Science Activity

Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

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

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The Imagination Tree

Creative play and learning for kids

DIY Light Box for Sensory Play

January 3, 2013 by Anna Ranson

 Baby crawled over and climbed straight on top of the box, where she remained all afternoon until bedtime (give or take having her dinner and bath!) She was totally mesmerised by the light and loved being able to play at such a convenient height. Because of the size of the box, all three of them were able to play at the same time with enough room each, which is a huge bonus for us.

 At one point we had trapped a low branch from the Christmas tree under the box lid by mistake, and Cakie pointed out that it was making a silhouette (we’ve been looking at Winter tree silhouettes this week in nature!) I grabbed some left over tracing paper and suggested she used it to trace the outline.

 She loved this new drawing activity and I think there are many exciting new things we could try together using this method. Some crafters and tattoo artists use light boxes for very similar purposes.

After we have finished the initial burst of play with our new toy, I will pack the lights into a bag and store them inside the box ready for another day. There are hundreds of possibilities for light box play and learning ideas and it is suitable for all ages, from babies to much older children.

What they are learning as they play: sensory: investigating materials using all the senses science: understanding silhouettes, shadows, light, colour mixing maths: counting, sorting, pattern making, filling and emptying motor skills: developing hand-eye coordination, pincer grasp, scooping, pouring, tipping, moving, stacking, balancing

January 3, 2013 at 12:18 pm

This is great! Those things are so expensive in the catalogues. Thank you for sharing! Will be pinning this for future reference 🙂

January 3, 2013 at 12:20 pm

January 3, 2013 at 12:29 pm

a.m.a.z.i.n.g idea! will try it for sure! I love how your kids multitasking: playing, eating apples etc. I have a question though: where can I purchase these great coloured bingo chips? they can be used in sooooo may projects! Thanks for the inspiring ideas all the time. Big fan of you, Anna

January 3, 2013 at 12:41 pm

i’d love a really big one like this but I can’t seem to find a nice box which has a flat lid. All ours have ripples in them 🙁 The silhouettes are nice, something you can’t really do on a regular light panel. Think I’ll keep looking for a nice flat container. It is great that it can be packed away for another day. Ours being in the cardboard cubby really means that only one person can use is at once (plus the whole sharing debacle that we have here hehe) but they might share with a large box….hmmm yep will keep looking.

January 19, 2013 at 11:05 pm

I made some of these for my preschool class last year, and couldn’t find any bins with flat or transparent lids. What we ended up doing was buying flat-bottomed transparent bins with white lids, tacked the parchment paper to the inside bottom, and then flipped the whole thing upside down once the lid was on. Also lined the sides with tinfoil so the light only shines through the top. It worked really well :).

January 3, 2013 at 12:49 pm

Great idea! Happy New Year btw. I’m very impressed you’re blogging so soon apres the festive season – I’m still hidden under wrapping paper and tinsel! x

January 3, 2013 at 12:53 pm

how did U make this wooden thing with colourfull water? it’s so great. love it!

January 3, 2013 at 2:48 pm

What a great idea! 😀 But… were the colour water blocks a link? It’s not working. Thanks!

January 3, 2013 at 4:04 pm

I love your large light box, Anna! I think you may have just inspired me to make a larger one for the hooligans to gather around. I love our little ones for individual and partner play but I like how you can really spread things out on yours. Thanks for the inspiration. Im’ heading out to do a little boxing weeks shopping today, so I’m thinking storage containers and lights will be marked down now. Thanks for mentioning us in your post! x

January 3, 2013 at 6:39 pm

Did you use battery powered lights or are they plugged in? I used tissue paper and battery tea lights but would like more light.

January 3, 2013 at 10:43 pm

What a brilliant idea and so simple, light boxes are so expensive and as you have proved for no good reason!

January 3, 2013 at 11:30 pm

Great and simple idea !

January 4, 2013 at 2:10 am

I’ve wanted to make a light box for a long time too. We’re taking our tree down this weekend so I may just have to use your idea and make one with the Christmas lights. Thanks for the inspiration!.

January 4, 2013 at 3:55 am

It’s wonderful!!

January 4, 2013 at 4:22 am

I will be trying this tonight as I pack away the rest of our Christmas lights, thank you for sharing it’s something I too have wanted to create with my girls. Pinning onto our Playtime board too.

January 4, 2013 at 5:44 am

Love this idea! Did you have any problems with the container getting too hot?

May 15, 2013 at 1:21 am

Mine got pretty hot but only after being on continuously for a couple of hours.

January 4, 2013 at 8:23 am

Hello, I got this post in my inbox and you inspired me to get off my behind and give this a go! We did it today and my 6 year old loved it. I blogged about it too with a reference to your post, thanks for sharing, Nicole 🙂 http://mudpiesandsunshine.com/2013/01/04/diy-light-table/

January 4, 2013 at 10:02 am

What a fantastic idea – I’ve also wondered whether they would benefit J and T but I can see the possibilities. Will have to get making something

January 4, 2013 at 7:36 pm

I know this is a site for children’s education but you’re a bloody genius!

January 4, 2013 at 8:46 pm

Love this. Making one is on my list for 2013. FYI your storage container is not opaque. That would be no light shining through and can’t see through it. It made me do a double take to see what your container looks like.

January 5, 2013 at 1:06 am

I too have loved these whilst being an early years teacher. It is great there are easy and cheap means of making one of these for home! Now to find an appropriate box 🙂

January 5, 2013 at 7:28 pm

Genius!! What a great idea for making a light box! Yes, I have that stuff too! I never though about making my own but I love also how you can easily take it down when you are done with it so it doesn’t take up space. (We have a small house!)

January 6, 2013 at 3:12 am

Another brilliant idea! Thanks for the inspiration!

January 6, 2013 at 8:37 pm

I’ve been wanting a light box for some time now, but they are so expensive! So, I made this with Baby Bear today, and he loved it! I pulled out some of my old overhead projector manipulatives, and he and Papa Bear made pictures together using the shapes. Thank you for sharing!

January 7, 2013 at 3:55 pm

Oh I love this! I am definitely doing this- need to get hubby back up the loft to get the xmas lights now!! xx

January 9, 2013 at 6:51 am

Love! We got a commercial light panel for Christmas (from my inlaws) but it is a bit on the small side… this would be the perfect size for our tot school group session this week! Thanks for sharing! Stephanie @ http://www.two-daloo.com

January 16, 2013 at 5:29 pm

Great idea and easy too! I love that all the kids could play at the same time. When I first noticed the bingo chips they looked too small (in the pic) for a little one to be playing with, so I’m glad you stated you were right there to watch. I guess that is the pediatric nurse in me.

January 28, 2013 at 4:59 am

Wonderful idea! Can’t wait to try it with my seven year old 🙂

Privacy Overview

Light Box Activities for Learning and Playing

That is the coolest thing Heather! I bet the kids had a lot of fun playing with it and exploring. Our fifth-grade is doing light and sound now. I will have to mention this activity to go with it.

Thanks, Carla! I do love what light boxes/tables do for even the simplest activities. I hope your fifth-graders are able to give it a try!

WE have a light table at our school. The students love it. It is also great to use with x-rays with your pretend play doctor or vet. I have also printed story telling pieces on milk filters to play with on the light table.

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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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Buggy and Buddy

Meaningful Activities for Learning & Creating

February 10, 2016 By Chelsey

Light Science for Kids: Ways to Explore Refraction and Reflection

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.

Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!

Because we have been having so much fun with our most recent light science activities, I decided to round up some more fun science ideas for kids having to do with light. You’ll find ideas for examining light refraction (the bending of light) and light reflection (when light bounces off an object) in this collection, as well as science experiments for various ages- from preschool and on up!

10+ Light Science Activities for Kids

Light refraction and rainbow science.

Make a Spectroscope Using a Cardboard Tube from Buggy and Buddy

Explore Light Patterns with a CD and Paper from Buggy and Buddy

Rainbow Science: Exploring Prisms from Buggy and Buddy

Light Box Magic from  True Aim

Making a Rainbow with Water and a Mirror from No Twiddle Twaddle

Light Refraction with Water

Water Refraction Science Experiment from What Do We Do All Day?

How to Make a Magnifying Glass from Science Sparks

Light Reflection and Mirrors

How to Make a Kaleidoscope from Buggy and Buddy

Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Buggy and Buddy

Water, Mirrors, and Reflection from My Nearest and Dearest

Exploring Shapes and Patterns in a Mirror Box from The Imagination Tree

Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Little Bins for Little Hands

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 !

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Experiments: Light and Optics

Make a pinhole camera.

Safety rules: Parent supervision Take care with sharp objects Materials you need are: a cardboard box with a closely fitting lid (e.g. a shoe box) masking tape aluminium foil a sewing needle flat black water-soluble paint a paintbrush tracing paper or greaseproof paper

Paint the inside of the box with the black paint and allow to dry. Tape the lid onto the box so that no light can enter. Cut a hole 1.5 centimetres wide in the end of the box and carefully tape aluminium foil over the hole. Cut out a larger section at the other end of the box and masking tape a piece of tracing paper or greaseproof paper over the hole. Use a sewing needle to make a hole in the aluminium foil (The needle should be inserted only halfway along the point). To use your pinhole camera, you hold the end with the tiny hole in the aluminium foil up to the object at which you are looking. The image will appear on the tracing paper or greaseproof paper. What do you notice?

You should see an inverted image as the hole has acted like a lens.

Benham's Disc

Safety rules: Parent supervision Take care with scissors Take care with electric drill and tools Materials you need are: a sheet of paper a black felt pen a disc made of cardboard glue scissors an electric drill (variable speed)

Copy or print out the Benham's Disc design. Glue it to a disc made of cardboard and attach it through the centre to a variable speed electric drill. Spin the disc under very bright incandescent light or sunlight. Fluorescent light is not recommended. At a certain speed, you should begin to see colours on you black-and-white disc.

Different people see different colours. The white flashes stimulate the colour-sensitive cells (red, blue and green cones) in the retina at the back of the eye. If all the cones were stimulated simultaneously, we would see white. However, some cones respond faster than others so we see colours.

Feather Rainbow

Safety Rules: Parent supervision Take care with fire or heat Materials you need are: a candle matches a bird feather

Light a candle. Stand about 30 centimetres away from it. Look through the feather's outer edge at the candle.

You should see tiny flames with rainbow colours. The white light of the candle flame is being refracted by the feather into the colours of the spectrum - red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Cool Clothing

Safety rules: Parent supervision Take care with the glass thermometers Materials you need are: 2 thermometers a white cloth a black cloth sunlight

Place the two cloths side by side in the sunlight. Place a thermometer under each cloth. Leave them for 15 minutes and read the thermometer readings.

Because white cloth reflects all light wavelengths and black cloth absorbs all light wavelengths and converts them to heat, the black cloth should be slightly hotter than the white cloth.

Tomato turns Black

Materials you need are: a torch several pieces of coloured cellophane sticky tape coloured objects (e.g. tomato) a dark room

Cover the face of the torch with one colour of cellophane at a time and shine it on various coloured objects. What colour do they become?

Objects that we see appear that colour because a certain coloured wavelength is reflected off the object back to our eyes. If white light (made of red, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet wavelengths of light) shines on a red tomato, only the red light is reflected back to our eyes. All other coloured lights are absorbed by the tomato.

However, if we shine green light on a red tomato in a dark room, there is no red light to be reflected from the tomato. It will appear very dark and lacking in colour.

Bisecting Mirror

Safety rules: Parent supervision Take care with the mirror Materials you need are: one large mirror as tall as a person a friend

Hold the mirror upright and at right angles to your body and in front of it. Tell your friend to stand a little to your right so he/she can't see the left side of your body. Now lift you right. It will look to your friend like you are floating in thin air.

Many Mirror Images

Safety rules: Parent supervision Take care with the mirrors Materials you need are: 3 flat mirrors objects to support the mirrors a small colourful object

Place the colourful object on the horizontal mirror and between the other two mirrors. How many images do you see? Now alter the angle between the upright mirrors and watch the images.

Polarised Sunglass Lens Blockout

Materials you need are: an old pair of polarised sunglasses (ask before using) a bright indoor light

Take the lenses out of the sunglasses. Hold one lens up to a bright indoor light (do not look at the sun) and observe how much light is blocked out. Now hold the other lens at right angles to the first and right next to it. How much light is blocked out?

The ability for light waves from the bright light to pass through the polarised filters (lenses) depends upon the orientation of the filters. If one lens is in place, its filters block out waves in a horizontal direction. However when the second filter or lens is placed at right angles to the first, the second lens blocks out light waves in a vertical direction so all light is blocked by both.

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Under Cover of Darkness: Refuge from Artificial Light at Night may Mitigate Risks to Stranded Seabirds

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Artificial light at night is an anthropogenic pollutant that has wide-ranging effects on wildlife. Fledgling seabirds of the order Procellariiformes exhibit phototaxis toward artificial lights on their first flights from the nest, causing them to become grounded in human settlements where they are subject to increased risk of predation. Limited evidence suggests that certain light types may be less attractive than others, yet there is also evidence for an aversion to light under certain circumstances. We investigated differences in phototactic behaviour, activity level, and shelter-seeking behaviour of grounded Leach's storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) fledglings exposed to artificial light in three experiments: a Y-maze choice experiment, an open field test, and a modified open field test with a hide box provided ("Safe Haven test"). When provided with combinations of different light types in the Y-maze, storm-petrels typically remained stationary and exhibited no response toward one light type over another. This was consistent with results from the open field test, in which individuals were less active in darkness than when exposed to two out of three light conditions (Warm White Light-Emitting Diode and High Pressure Sodium). More than half of birds entered the hide box in light conditions, compared to none in the dark. Considered together, our results indicate Leach's storm-petrel fledglings exhibit photophobic behaviour after stranding, which may be part of a behavioural strategy to avoid predation. Further, we demonstrate the utility of providing hide boxes to protect stranded seabird fledglings in locations where lighting cannot be eliminated, or where rescue efforts may be limited in spatial or temporal coverage. Hide boxes constitute a novel mitigation measure that merits future testing for its ability to reduce stranding-induced mortality, especially in imperiled procellariiform species.

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Coherence entropy unlocks new insights into light-field behavior

Light technology is at the heart of many cutting-edge innovations, from high-speed internet to advanced medical imaging. However, transmitting light through challenging environments, such as turbulent atmospheres or deformed optical systems, has always posed a significant hurdle. These complexities can distort and disrupt the light field, making it difficult to achieve clear and reliable results. Scientists have long sought ways to overcome these limitations, and a new breakthrough may hold the key to advancing practical applications.

As reported in Advanced Photonics , researchers at Soochow University have made a significant advancement in understanding how light behaves as it travels through complex and fluctuating media. This breakthrough could revolutionize various applications ranging from optical communications to advanced imaging techniques.

In the realm of optics, the deformation, flicker, and drift of light fields caused by complex media have historically limited practical applications. The Soochow University team introduced a novel approach to tackling this problem by leveraging a concept known as coherence entropy.

Coherence entropy, a measure of the statistical property of light known as coherence, provides a global characterization of light fields subjected to random fluctuations. Traditionally, characterizing the coherence of light has been complex and difficult to quantify. The research team has successfully applied orthogonal modal decomposition to partially coherent beams, leading to the introduction of coherence entropy as a reliable metric.

Their study revealed that coherence entropy remains stable during the propagation of light through a unitary system, even when faced with complex and deformed optical environments. This consistency suggests that coherence entropy can be a robust indicator of light field behavior in non-ideal conditions.

The team demonstrated the practical utility of coherence entropy by examining its effectiveness in partially coherent beams as they moved through various deformed optical systems and turbulent media. The results show that coherence entropy is resilient and remains a dependable measure for evaluating the performance of light fields in challenging conditions.

"This research represents a major leap forward in our ability to predict and control light propagation through complex environments," said corresponding author Dr. Chengliang Zhao, the lead researcher. "The introduction of coherence entropy as a global coherence characteristic opens up new possibilities for customizing light fields to improve their performance in real-world applications."

The implications of this study are far-reaching. From enhancing optical communication systems that must operate through atmospheric turbulence, to advancing imaging technologies that rely on light fields traveling through distorted media, coherence entropy could become a crucial tool for scientists and engineers alike.

By providing a more reliable way to assess and manage light fields in less-than-ideal conditions, this research paves the way for broader and more effective use of low-coherence light fields across various scientific and practical domains.

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