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Splitting White Light
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners split white light into all its component colors using three household items: a compact disc, dishwashing liquid, and a hose (outside).
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-205.png?itok=gSzMiZhd)
The Old White Sheet Trick: Light and Insect Behavior
Source Institutions
In this outdoor, nighttime activity, learners gather around a brightly lit, white surface and study the behavior of nocturnal animals attracted to the light, particularly night fliers.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-554.jpg?itok=jhkAeuiu)
Make a Green Gumball Black
Source Institutions
In this optics activity, learners use a shoebox, colored cellophane and sunlight to "change" the colors of gumballs. Learners will be surprised when the green and blue gumballs appear black!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-756.jpg?itok=L-q0j4tI)
Make a UV Detector
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners use tonic water to detect ultraviolet (UV) light from the Sun and explore the concept of fluorescence.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-889.gif?itok=a2dseEnc)
First Impressions
Source Institutions
Learners experiment with a commercial photo-sensitive paper (Sunprint® or NaturePrint® paper). They place opaque and clear objects on the paper and expose it to bright light, observing the results.
Glowing Tonic
Source Institutions
In this sunny day activity, learners compare how a cup of water and a cup of tonic water reflect or refract light in the sun.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-005-065.jpg?itok=fcEGRg9N)
Observing Insects at Night
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners set up a night time insect observation station with a light and sheet.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-838.png?itok=UjNkfOMo)
Light is Made of Colors
Source Institutions
Learners observe different light sources, outdoors and indoors, using prism glasses (diffraction glasses) and color filters.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-978.png?itok=km7rCVvM)
Self-Portrait Silhouettes: Activity 2
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners make a photographic image—without a camera!
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-729.jpg?itok=hsuLpP1d)
Oil Spot Photometer
Source Institutions
In this math activity related to light, learners assemble a photometer and use it to estimate the power output of the Sun.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-400.jpg?itok=SVpRqZWi)
Pinhole Viewer
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners discuss and investigate how cameras, telescopes, and their own eyes use light in similar ways.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-734.jpg?itok=7a0MmmPt)
Polarized Sunglasses
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore how polarizing sunglasses can help diminish road glare.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-760.jpg?itok=Oh95_YOm)
Make a Prism
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners will make their own prism and use a glass of water to separate sunlight into different colors.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-004-509.png?itok=B-jqFCWJ)
Globe at Night
Source Institutions
In this international citizen science activity, learners measure their night sky brightness and submit their observations into an online database.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-546.jpg?itok=eeDJlTWW)
Why Are Bubbles So Colorful?
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners explore why they can see colors in bubbles and why they change.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-001-088.png?itok=5xBWcjkB)
Night Eyes
Source Institutions
In this outdoor, night-time activity, learners discover how to spot eye-shine (reflection of light from an animal's eyes) by using a flashlight to play a simulation game.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-898.png?itok=HUbvh-b3)
Plant Patterns
Source Institutions
In this outdoor mapping activity, learners explore where plants grow and map plant-distribution patterns.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-525.gif?itok=rr8BYLdL)
Finding the Size of the Sun and Moon
Source Institutions
In this activity, learners build a simple pinhole viewer. They use this apparatus to project images from a variety of light sources, including a candle, the Sun, and the Moon.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-002-621.jpg?itok=qlZGM3Yq)
Exploring Shadows
Source Institutions
This activity guide features three related explorations to help learners ages 3-6 investigate shadows via the following science concepts: A shadow is made when an object blocks the light; you can chan
![](/sites/default/files/styles/square_100/public/resource_images/smile-000-000-000-279.png?itok=QyaXMt2G)
Make a Garbage Bag Kite
Source Institutions
Make a kite out of a garbage bag, shower curtain, painting tarp--anything light, thin, flexible and plastic!