Pinhole Viewer

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In this activity, learners discuss and investigate how cameras, telescopes, and their own eyes use light in similar ways. By building their own pinhole viewers, learners make observations about the principles of light, and how design affects the quality of their observation tool.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 4 toilet paper tubes
  • 4 pieces of black construction paper
  • 8 rubber bands
  • wax paper (cut into four by four-inch square)
  • tracing paper (cut into four by four-inch square)
  • tissue paper (cut into four by four-inch square)
  • white plastic bag (cut into four by four-inch square)
  • aluminum foil (cut into four by four-inch square)
  • roll of scotch or masking tape
  • box of pushpins

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
  • Physical Sciences
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
    • Technology
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Body
      • The Brain and Nervous System
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • Technology and Society
      • Technology and History

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Outdoor Activity
  • Photography and Film/Video

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Links STEM to other topics of interest such as arts and humanities
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Science Friday,