9 Science Experiments about Light for Kids

We shared some cool color science experiments for kids, today we share some more science
experiments for kids to learn about one of the senses via eyes: science experiments about light.
These can be easily built into the Five Senses unit. There are many topics kids can learn about
light. Today we share some ideas for kids to learn about prisms, light reflection, UV light,
fluorescent light, phosphorescent light, and bioluminescence light.

Kids science experiments about light

Learn light reflection with some simple mirror activities.
Another way to learn about reflection is by this magic water reflection.
For kids interested in coding and circuit, this color mixing with light controlled by computer
coding is fascinating.

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I love this light box experiment. It is yet another way to show kids light reflection.
You can’t skip fireflies when you are learning about light. If you can find places to catch
fireflies, go catch them and put them in a bottle. This light from firefly is
called bioluminescence, the light produced by a chemical reaction that originates in the
organism. Besides fireflies, it is mostly seen at the bottom of the ocean. To learn more about
bioluminescence, check out the free app Creatures of Light. It shows fascinating videos and
pictures of examples with interactive activities.
Does light have color? Let’s learn and experiment with prisms. Kids will be amazed to see the
rainbow! For school age kids, this would be a good time to talk about wave length and color.
We all know light carries energy. How to show kids this concept? Ask kids stand under the sun,
and then in the shade, do they feel warm in the sun? Additionally, this simple science
experiment not only shows kids that light carries energy, but also shows what color absorbs more
energy, white or black.
What can we see under UV light? This is a fun activity for kids of all ages. Kids learn about UV
light and fluorescent light. Word of caution, it uses Black Light or UV light. I would not look
into the light directly, and be careful not to use it for extended time period. You can read more
about black light safety on Wikipedia.
RELATED: Light Science Experiment Kit
Do you know why leaves are green? The first part of this Fluorescent Chlorophyllexperiment
will tell you why. The 2nd part of this activity also uses black light, thus the same caution from
last experiment.
Make a glow in the dark T-shirt with glowing paint. Kids will learn about phosphorescence.
For kids, you can just tell them that phosphorescence light is different from fluorescent light.
Fluorescent light needs black night to be on, while phosphorescent light doesn’t need the black
light on. It just need be exposed to light before giving out its own light, and it last longer. Most
glow-in-dark toys use phosphorescent light. For your own reference, you can find more about the
difference between phosphorescence and fluorescence.
A really fun way for kids to learn about light with interactive activities is the app Bobo Explores
Light. It covers many of the topics in the above activities and more, all are kids friendly and fun.
I hope you like these science experiments. Doing science at home is not just for fun, it is
also to cultivate child’s interest in science and help them grow scientific thinking
skills. Don’t just do it for fun, try follow scientific steps while working with kids on these
activities. I outlined the steps and developed this Science Experiment Recording Sheet.
I highly recommend following these steps for each activity, even with young children.
They can draw pictures if they can’t write. It is the process that is important, starting with
questions and hypothesis.
This water refraction science experiment has such a “wow factor” and is so quick and easy I
can’t believe my kids and I haven’t done it before. It would fit right in with our DIY science
camp series, too. Best of all, there is almost no set up, but once I showed it to the kids, they
experimented on their own and debated the reasons for the results. You have the option of
setting up the science experiment as we did, or doing it right now with the glass of water
sitting next to you!

The science behind the water refraction experiment:

Refraction is the bending of light. In this case, light traveled from the air, through the front of the
glass jar, through the water, through the back of the glass jar, and then back through the air,
before hitting the picture. Whenever light passes from one medium into another, it refracts.

In addition, the water acts as a magnifying glass, which bends the light toward the center. The
light comes together at the focal point and beyond the focal point the image looks reversed
because the light that was on the right is now on the left, and vice versa. Clear as mud? (Note: I
am not a science teacher and if you would like to correct or add to my explanation in the
comments, I welcome it!)

Want another cool and magical water experiment? Find out how to make a coin jump from a
bottle. Or find more fun indoor water activities for kids.

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss our next easy activity idea:

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by: Erica posted in: Science3 COMMENTS

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1. Maria Dermitzaki says

FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AT 3:25 PM

I would like to receive mails

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o Erica says
FEBRUARY 13, 2017 AT 9:44 AM

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2. Eliana Nevarez says

FEBRUARY 4, 2018 AT 10:59 PM

we filled the glass half with water and put the arrow behind the glass and when we moved the arrow
to a particular distance behind the glass it makes the arrow look like its going the other way. When
light passes from one material to another, it can bend or refract. In the third experiment before hitting
the arrow light traveled from the air, through the glass, through the wat er, through the back of the
glass, and then back through the air. Anytime that light passes from one thing into another, it
refracts. When light went through the glass the light bent toward the center. That’s where the light all
came together this is called the focal point, but beyond the focal point the image reversed because the
light rays that were bent pass each other and the light that was on the right side is now on the left and
the left on the right and that is what makes the arrow looks reversed.

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