Three Circles of Pigments

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In this activity, learners overlap the three primary colors to see how all other colors are made. This activity also explains how color can be explained by the subtraction of colors of light, related to the principles of absorption and reflection of light.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per student
Age Range:
Ages 11 - 18
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • 1 – Cyan water color marker pen (Mr. Sketch brands seems to work best)
  • 1 – Yellow water color marker pen (Mr. Sketch brands seems to work best)
  • 1 – Magenta water color marker pen (Mr. Sketch brands seems to work best)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
    • Measurement
      • Circles
    • Representation
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Muller, Eric

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Exploratorium, 2005