top of page
Writer's pictureElliott

Unveiling the Magic of Colors: Homemade Rainbow Shadows for Little Ones!

Updated: Aug 26, 2023


Hello there! ✨


Are we on the hunt for a magical STEM activity that's captivating and educational for our little ones? How about creating colorful rainbow shadows in the comfort of our homes? This activity delves into the world of light, unveiling the spectrum of colors that adorn our surroundings. Let’s dive right in!


Why Rainbow Shadows? 🌈


Many of us remember playing with prisms during school days, witnessing white light transform into a burst of colors. Inspired by that memory, this activity explores how different colors react to light, resulting in mesmerizing colored shadows.


Materials Needed: 📝


2. Clear plastic or glass containers (like a glass or a bowl)

3. Water







Steps to Creating Rainbow Shadows: 🎨


1. Setup: Find a room that can be made fairly dark. The darker the room, the more vivid our colored shadows will be.


2. Preparation: Fill the containers with water. Add a few drops of each food coloring to separate containers, creating a rich-colored solution for red, blue, and yellow. Give it a good stir.



3. Illuminate: Position the torch or lamp to shine through one of the colored containers, casting a shadow on a wall. What do we notice about the color of the shadow?


4. Mix & Match: Here's where magic happens! Overlap the shadows of two containers. What mesmerizing shades can we spot when we overlap the shadows of red and blue? Red and yellow? Blue and yellow? Let’s make a note of our observations.


5. Discussion Time: Gather our little ones and discuss what we observed. This is a great time to talk about primary colors, the behavior of light through colored mediums, and the fascinating science behind the shadows.


STEM Learning Points:


- Science: Dive into how light can be absorbed, reflected, and transmitted through colored solutions.

- Technology: Utilise everyday household items in innovative ways to experiment with light.

- Engineering: Investigate how different positions and angles can affect the clarity and overlap of shadows.

- Maths: Measure and evaluate distances and angles that produce the most vibrant shadow colors, making predictions based on our setups.


Closing Thoughts:


Science is all around us, beautifully evident in the dance of light and shadows. This delightful activity not only informs our little ones about colors and light but also sparks their curiosity, encouraging them to observe, predict, and marvel at the wonders around them.


Ready to paint our spaces with rainbow shadows? 🎉


Do share your rainbow shadow adventures and any intriguing observations our little ones made in the comments below!






139 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commenti


bottom of page