Mylar Light Box
Description
In this activity, learners create a light box inspired by a Japanese craft product called "Hikari no Hako" (which means light box in Japanese). Learners fill a cardboard box with rolled Mylar, then cover the top with a tracing paper and the back with transparent paper. As learners move it over various light sources, they can change the angle to discover different patterns of light reflected through the Mylar. Learners are encouraged to explore with their light boxes in their homes and outdoors. The box can be used both as a piece of art and an exploration tool.
Quick Guide
- Preparation Time: 10 to 30 minutes
- Learning Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Estimated materials cost: $5 - $10 per student
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Age Range: Ages 6 - adult
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Resource Type: Activity
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Language: English
Materials List (per student)
- pencil
- ruler
- scissors
- Scotch tape
- cardboard box
- Mylar sheet
- tracing paper
- plastic
Informal Category
- Arts and Crafts
Subjects
- Physical Sciences
- Light and Optics
- Lenses and Mirrors
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
- Light and Optics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- The Scientific Process
To use this activity learners need to
- see
- see color
- read
- be mobile
- touch
Learning styles supported
- Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
- Involves hands-on or lab activities





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