Introduction: Science Experiment for Kids: Light Box Magic
Step 1: Motivate
Step 2: Gather Materials
Optional: Painting supplies, Food Coloring, Bleach, Foil, Cups that fit over bottles.
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.
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. If you do put bleach in make sure you tape them up so that children cannot unscrew the lids.
Step 5: Trace the Bottom of the Bottles on the Top of the Box and Cut Holes.
You can also put tinfoil on the top of the box to help the light reflect into the bottles.
Step 6: Cut a Hole in the Side of the Box to Look Inside.
I recommend cutting a smaller window than I did or just eye holes.
Step 7: Push Bottles Into Holes and Let the Experimenting Begin!
My Daughter put her hands over the bottles to create a "light show".
I brought some cups to help her out.
Step 8: Explain 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.
What do you think about this experiment? Have you done an experiment with light refraction?
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10 Comments
Question 3 years ago on Step 1
Hey do u get access to the video
9 years ago on Introduction
They glow in the dark?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
It was awesome
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
That it so cool
9 years ago on Introduction
Great fun, really quick to do. Rather than the slit we lay a blanket over the side so we could all stick our heads in. Also added glycerin and glitter to the water for added sparkle.
10 years ago on Introduction
so cool, so very cool
10 years ago on Introduction
thanks for the video...it's going to help some families i know :-)
10 years ago on Introduction
That looks great! Rather than wait for the cardboard manna that is a refrigerator box (or any other giant appliance), perhaps use the magic and mystery of 123D Make to manipulate cardboard into a much-larger light box? That'd set you up for a cool camera obscura project, too.
10 years ago on Introduction
Awesome project!
If you had a really big box, you could replace that viewing slot with a door to get inside.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I know! That would be really awesome.