3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids to Do

Literacy & ABCs Science Toddlers Grade School Kindergartners Preschoolers Experiment Paper Plates 19 Comments

Science experiments are always a big hit in my house and this light experiment for kids will brighten everyone’s day – literally!

Learn about the properties of light with a quick, simple set of light experiments for kids to do at home. You already have all the supplies!

3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids

What three things can light do? This is the guiding question for this simple and fun light experiment for kids.

To Set up Your Own Simple Light Science Experiment, You’ll Need:

  • Magnifying glass
  • Paper plate or anything opaque
  • Piece of paper
Try our favorite 50 simple science experiments .

We love a good science activity that uses supplies we already have at home like this one!

Talking About Science Basics with Kids

Science activities are always a great time to practice using fun science terms. This simple light science experiment introduces three new ones:

  • penetrate: or when light will pass through an object to be visible on the other side
  • reflect: or when the light bounces back at you, like with a mirror or something shiny
  • stop: or when the light is blocked, not reflecting or penetrating
  • variable: what changes in different steps on the experiment

It can help if you write down these words and their meanings on a piece of paper or flashcards.

You could use actual words or draw a picture.

For older kids, you could also dive a little bit deeper. I love this quick explanation about the properties of light from Ducksters .

Before Your Light Experiments for Kids

This simple science experiment includes an opportunity for making predictions and recording observations.

Predicting is just making a guess based on what you already know.

You could get started by asking your kids: “What do you know about light?”

Create a quick and simple legend for the light experiment.

Write down your children’s predictions and make a quick chart. One column is for the prediction and the other is for the observation, plus some rows for the variables.

Label the rows with the names of your three objects, or variables (what’s changing each time). Hint: mirror, magnifying glass, plate, etc.

At the top of one column write: “What will the light do?” . (Prediction)

And then above the other column, write: “What does the light do?” . (Observations)

Record your predictions and observations for your simple light experiments for kids!

As you experiment, you’ll also jot down what happens with the light, or what you observe. Observe and observation in science is just a fancy way to explain telling what you saw happening during the experiment.

Ask these helpful questions as you predict what happens:

  • Will the light penetrate the paper plate or will it stop?
  • Will the light reflect off of the magnifying glass or penetrate?
  • And will the mirror stop the light?

Take time to look at each object, discuss the three terms associated with light (penetrate, reflect, stop).

Make predictions, or guesses, about what the light will do with each object.

Write your predictions in the first column of the chart.

Predict what you think light will do in this easy science experiment activity for kids!

Now Experiment with Light Together

Once your predictions are made and the properties of light have been discussed, it’s time to do the experiment.

Choose the first object and have your kids shine the flashlight at the object.

Watch how the light reacts with the object. Does it shine through, shine back at you, or stop completely?

Record on your observation chart what the light did with that object. Check to see if your predictions were correct.

Keep going with the rest of the objects, making sure to observe and record your findings.

Our Easy Light Experiments for Kids

We chose the mirror first. My son held the mirror and my daughter used the flashlight.

Check to see what objects reflect with easy light experiments for kids

I encouraged them to explain what they noticed about the light. Both recognized that the light was shining back at us, or reflecting.

We talked for a minute about using “refect” to describe what the light was doing.

Keep shining with a simple indoor reflection activity !

My daughter wrote “reflect” in our observation column on our chart. I helped her with the spelling, but only a little.

The Paper Plate

Our second variable for the light experiment was the paper plate. This time my kids switched roles with my daughter holding the plate and my son shining the flashlight at the object.

Check to see how light acts with a plate in this easy experiment for kids.

My kids quickly noticed that the light didn’t go anywhere except for on the plate.

We discussed together how this showed that the light stopped because the plate blocks or stops the light. I also added in the word “opaque,” which means that light does not pass through.

My son recorded “stop” for the plate.

You can also introduce the word “absorb” to your kids at this point in the experiment, as that is another term for stopping the light.

Originally, the kids had thought that the plate might reflect the light. Our prediction was incorrect and we talked about that for a minute or so.

Chart your light experiments for kids results

Learn more about opaque objects with a fun shadow play activity !

The Magnifying Glass

Our final object was the magnifying glass. It was my turn to shine the light as both my kids held the object.

This time the light went through the magnifying glass, shining onto the floor below. I shared the term “transparent,” meaning that light passes completely through, as we talked about this part of the experiment.

See how light acts with a fun science experiment for kids

I recorded our findings on the chart. We reviewed each object and outcome together while comparing our observations to our predictions.

Chart the activity and results of your science activity with kids

Keep Playing with Light!

Even though we had finished the “formal” experiment, my kids kept the learning going! They ran through the house, shining the flashlight on all sorts of objects and saying whether the light reflected, stopped, or penetrated.

I love how much ownership they took of their learning!

Learn about the properties of light with a quick, simple set of light experiments for kids to do at home. You already have all the supplies!

We love playing with a fun flashlight scavenger hunt for kids !

This fun extension activity went on for quite a while. And it’s something that I know I can keep returning to again and again, adding more challenging terminology as they grow.

What are some other fun science experiments for kids you have done? We’d love to check-out your creative learning ideas!

About alisha warth.

I have raised my children doing activities with them. As a homeschool mom, I am always looking for ways to make our learning fun. I'm honored to be able to contribute my ideas to the awesome site that is Hands On As We Grow.

More Hands on Kids Activities to Try

light experiments for ks2

Reader Interactions

19 comments.

Stacey A Johnson says

November 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm

This is fantastic! Thank you for sharing! I have been putting science bags together to send home for my kinders because we are doing online school….I was looking for some light activities because we are going to tie them into the holidays we study in December. (The idea that most celebrations, customs, rituals, use some sort of light) I can’t wait to do this with them!

MaleSensePro says

February 10, 2020 at 11:29 pm

Its a great learning experience.. its indeed the best kind of way kids should learn, thanks for sharing :)

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light experiments for ks2

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Science Fair Project – Easy Light Maze

September 9, 2019 By Emma Vanstone 2 Comments

Light travels in straight lines through empty space. If it hits an object some of it is reflected back and the rest is absorbed by the object. It is this reflection of light that allows us to see objects around us. The walls, tables and chairs in your room don’t emit their own light, you can see them because they reflect light either from the sun or artificial light.

When light hits a transparent object ( a window is a good example of this ) some is absorbed and reflected but most passes through.

Light maze for learning about how light travels in straight lines. Maze is made from DUPLO and mirrors.

How does light travel?

Light comes from a light source. This could be the Sun, a torch, a fire or a candle.

Light travels in straight lines and cannot bend. In the mazes below, we used mirrors to reflect light around corners.

When a light ray hits a mirror, it is reflected off the mirror which changes the direction of the light. The angle of the reflected light is the same as the angle of the incoming light.

Diagram showing the reflection off light off a surface

If the path of the beam of light changes ( you move the torch or the mirror ) the path of the reflected beam also changes.

How to make a light maze

This activity helps children understand that light travels in straight lines but can be reflected.

What you need to make a light maze

Modelling clay – to hold the mirrors

Card and pens ( optional )

Light mazes can be set up as a structured exercise or completely open ended.

I slightly themed our mazes, but that’s obviously completely optional.

Light Maze 1 – Light up the road

This one is set up like a road. The idea is to find a way for the grey car to light up the road around both corners.

light maze idea. Image shows a large sheet of card with toy cars, mirrors and a torch.

Two mirrors allow this to work nicely.

light maze showing the reflection of light around a corner

You can see here how each mirror reflects the light.

light maze with mirrors

Light Maze 2 – Light up a safe route

This maze uses just one mirror. The idea is for children to find a way to help the toy soldiers see a safe path around the water and crocodile.

Light Maze - Toy Soldier theme

You can see in the photo how one mirror does this nicely.

Light maze activity ideas

Light Maze 3 – LEGO Light Maze

We used DUPLO for speed, but Lego would work just as well. I used lots of small mirrors to fit in the corners and had to cut some down to size.

light experiments for ks2

Light Maze Extension Task

Try to create a light maze without using the flashlight to test as you go along. Does it work when you turn on the light source?

Can you create a coloured maze using coloured sheets of cellophane ?

Facts about light

We can see the moon as it reflects light from the sun.

Some animals make their own light! Fireflies are a good example of this.

You can split light into the colours of the rainbow using a prism.

Light travels at 299,792,458 meters per second.

Light from the sun takes 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the Earth

Did you know most animals don’t recognise their reflection and often attack it?

More light experiments

Create circuits to light up a model village .

Make a rainbow with a prism

Find out why the sky looks blue .

Light Maze Instructions - instructions for how to make a light maze #lightforkids #lightexperiments #scienceforkids

Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Emma Vanstone

Safety Notice

Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

Reader Interactions

' src=

April 29, 2024 at 8:49 am

Hi! Fantastic website and terrific resource! My students loved it! On your light maze experiment though, it says that the speed of light is 299,792,458 miles per second. That is not correct. It is 299,792,458 METERS per second, or 186,282 miles per second.

Sorry to be picky, but I’m a science teacher and I used your experiment in class. I was not the one who saw your error originally, it was one of my seventh grade students. Now I know that they were paying attention!

Dave Wilson Science Teacher

' src=

April 29, 2024 at 1:06 pm

Thank you, that is now corrected!

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Dr. How's Science Wows

Science, Curiosity and Life

Fun Friday – 4 fantastic light experiments for kids

Yesterday Dr. Simple answered the question… Why is the sky blue?

Sometimes it is nice to get the “proof behind the science” so I thought I would share our four favourite light experiments so your children can find out how it works for themselves!

4LightExp

First up, an experiment to demonstrate what Dr. Simple was talking about yesterday…

Make a blue sky in a jar

Make a blue sky in a jar

You will need….

A clean glass jar, water, milk, a spoon, a torch and a dark room.

What to do…

Fill the jar two-thirds full with water and add half a tea spoon of milk.

Turn on the torch, make sure the room is dark, then shine the torch at the jar of liquid, holding the torch to one side of the jar and look at the colour of the liquid from the front.

The milky liquid will appear light blue in colour (move the torch closer to, or farther from the jar if necessary).

What is happening?…

Tiny particles in the milk act just like the tiny particles in the atmosphere, they scatter light shining upon them. When the light comes from the side of the jar the light of shorter wavelength, like blue light, is scattered the most so this is the colour we observe.

Now with a little alteration you can make…

Sunset in a jar

A sunset in a jar

This is the same experiment as the previous one, only this time shine the torch at the back of the jar while you observe the colour from the front. Now the milky water should appear red.

When we shine the torch from the back of the jar the light is scattered differently. This time most of the blue light has been scattered away from our line of sight so the dominant colour to reach our eye is red light, hence the solution appears red.

Remember how Dr. Simple said that even though sunlight might appear white it is actually made up of all the colours of the rainbow? Here is an experiment to prove that…

Make a rainbow

Make your own Rainbow

You will need….

A plastic container, a piece of white card, a mirror and a sunny day!

Fill the plastic container about two- thirds full with water and place it on the ground outside, in direct sunlight.

Place a mirror into the water and prop it up at an angle so the sun shines on it.

Hold the white card away from the mirror and move it from side to side or back and forth until you capture the rainbow on the card!

So what is happening?…

Water bends (refracts) light that passes through it.  Each colour bends a slightly different amount so the colours separate. The separated colours are bounced off the mirror and the image is caught on the piece of white card.

If you want a simpler version of this experiment take an old CD out into the sunshine and tilt the side without the label to the Sun. You will see a rainbow of colour appear on the CD at the point where the Sun shines.

Bend light

Make a fountain of light

An empty plastic bottle (one or two litre), a pin or needle, a torch, a sink or basin and a dark room.

Place the empty bottle beside the sink and, using the pin, make a small hole in the side of the bottle, about half way up.

Place your finger over the hole and fill the bottle with water.

Turn on the torch and shine the torch on the bottle, behind the hole. Make sure the side with the hole is positioned towards the sink.

Remove your finger and let the water pour into the sink. See how the stream of water lights up.

Light bends when in water so when we shine the light from behind the stream of water the light is reflected off the side and bends with it… effective the light is trapped within it.

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Science blogger and writer; Owner of Dr. How's Science Wows; Mother of three junior scientists who have taught me that to be a great scientist you need to look at life through the eyes of a child!

11 thoughts on “ Fun Friday – 4 fantastic light experiments for kids ”

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Your article is interesting. May I share this article?

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Hi Meran, sure you can, with a link back please.

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it is an great expriment

' src=

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing 🙂

' src=

Can’t wait to try these Naomi!

Hope the kids enjoy them Laura

' src=

I must pin this – the seven yr old is loving this blog at the moment.

Thanks Anne Marie that comment makes my day 😉

' src=

I need to try these 🙂

Comments are closed.

Buggy and Buddy

Meaningful Activities for Learning & Creating

February 10, 2016 By Chelsey

Light Science for Kids: Ways to Explore Refraction and Reflection

Here’s a fun collection of light science for kids ! You’ll find light science experiments about both light refraction and light reflection in this science roundup.

Follow our Science for Kids Pinterest board!

Light Science for Kids: Science activities and experiments about light refraction and light reflection!

Because we have been having so much fun with our most recent light science activities, I decided to round up some more fun science ideas for kids having to do with light. You’ll find ideas for examining light refraction (the bending of light) and light reflection (when light bounces off an object) in this collection, as well as science experiments for various ages- from preschool and on up!

10+ Light Science Activities for Kids

Light refraction and rainbow science.

rainbow science ideas for kids

Make a Spectroscope Using a Cardboard Tube from Buggy and Buddy

Explore Light Patterns with a CD and Paper from Buggy and Buddy

Rainbow Science: Exploring Prisms from Buggy and Buddy

rainbow science experiments for kids

Light Box Magic from  True Aim

Making a Rainbow with Water and a Mirror from No Twiddle Twaddle

Light Refraction with Water

light refraction with water science for kids

Water Refraction Science Experiment from What Do We Do All Day?

How to Make a Magnifying Glass from Science Sparks

Light Reflection and Mirrors

light science for kids

How to Make a Kaleidoscope from Buggy and Buddy

Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Buggy and Buddy

science for kids using mirrors

Water, Mirrors, and Reflection from My Nearest and Dearest

Exploring Shapes and Patterns in a Mirror Box from The Imagination Tree

Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Little Bins for Little Hands

STEM / STEAM for Kids: Explore light patterns with a mylar light box.

Explore Light Patterns with a Mylar Light Box from Buggy and Buddy

Light Science for Kids: Science activities and experiments about light refraction and light reflection!

Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here , or b uy it now here !

Carrots Are Orange Montessori

Ignite Your Kids’ Curiosity with These 16 Dazzling Light Experiments

Activities » Science » Ignite Your Kids’ Curiosity with These 16 Dazzling Light Experiments

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light energy experiments for kids

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From rainbow light refractions to exploring the visible spectrum, there are so many fascinating and fun science projects about light for children to explore.

Whether you’re a teacher in need of activities that will engage your students or a homeschooler who wants to find new methods of educating your little ones, this ultimate list of light experiments for kids is sure to keep them happily learning!

With easy-to-follow instructions and simple materials, these exciting experiments dive into basic concepts such as reflection, absorption, diffusion, and much more.

I scoured the internet to discover the BEST activities for experimenting with light. This post includes dozens of fun science light experiments for kids to keep you and your kids busy. These science lessons are so good that kids have fun, are engaged, and want to learn more!

The Ultimate List of Light Energy Experiments

Light Science Experiments for Kids

Build your diy spectroscope from buggy & buddy.

Kids will LOVE to make their DIY spectroscope! The best part of this science activity is that it can be done with a few simple materials and explore the spectrum of different light sources.

The author offers a step-by-step, easy-to-follow approach, which is always helpful! 

This light science activity for kids makes a great addition to a unit on light or weather. You get to see rainbows, so add it to an April preschool unit or St. Patrick’s Day-themed unit.

Light Energy Experiment for Kids - Sky Science

Sky Science – Why does the sky change colors? from Steam Powered Family

Finally, have an answer to the age-old question:  why is the sky blue? Even better, explore why the sky changes color at sunrise and sunset.

You can explain until you’re blue in the face about the science of the sky colors, but experimenting brings the understanding to a new level. 

Light Experiment for Kids - Optics

Learning about Optics with Two Fun Light Experiments! by From Engineer to Stay at Home Mom

Explore how light behaves with this activity! Furthermore, explain the concept of OPTICS as the study of how light works. This water and light experiment showed him how light works.   

A woman putting her hands over her eyes

Explore the Eye’s Blind Spot from Carrots Are Orange

The blind spot is a little spot of the eye. Everyone has a blind spot. The blind spot is the point in the eye where all the nerves in the eye come together.

The nerves form a bundle called the optic nerve, which runs from the eye to the brain.

So, why makes the blind spot “blind’?

Light Experiment - Refraction light activity

Simple Light Refraction Experiment from Look We’re Learning

This simple light refraction experiment teaches kids an easy way to teach kids about light!

Light Energy Experiments for Kids

Light Activities for Preschoolers from Carrots Are Orange

This post includes loads of light energy experiments and ideas to explore.

DIY Sundial experiment with light

DIY Sundial from KC Adventures

Learn an easy way to make a sundial using simple materials.

Experiments with UV Light

UV Light Experiment from Inspiration Laboratories

Try this simple exploration to explore ultraviolet light with your child.

Catching colors experiment with light

Exploring Science Through Art: Colour & Light by Childhood 101

This activity is sweet and to the point—what a lovely hands-on way to explore color and light.

DIY Light Patten Box - reflection science

Reflection Science with Light Patterns in a Box from Buggy & Buddy

A super cool and remarkably easy-to-put-together light energy experiment.

Exploring Light with Prisms

Rainbow Science for Kids: Exploring Prisms from Buggy & Buddy

Prisms are one of the most beautiful and simple materials. Learn ways to explore light reflection with this simple object!

Light Science of Motion

Easy Motion Science Experiment from Carrots Are Orange

Learn how movies are made with this  easy motion science experiment . My sons have been on a “how does this work?” kick. This easy science experiment  was one answer to “how do movies get onto a screen?”

How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Science for Kids: How to Make a Kaleidoscope

Kids love light reflection experiments! Learn  how to make a kaleidoscope in this fun & easy science activity and a craft for kids. Kids love to explore light, reflections, and symmetry by creating their kaleidoscope.

build a light maze experiment

Build a Light Maze

This science experiment on light is unique and embraces imagination (and a flashlight experiment which is always fun!). My son LOVED this “build a light maze activity,” and I bet your child will enjoy it, too.

candy wrapper science color mixing activity

Candy Wrapper Science – Color Mixing

Kids will have a lot of fun exploring color mixing and light with this hands-on science exploration.

glowing lollipop experiment

Laser Science for Kids: The Glowing Lollipop

Learn about light refraction with this cool laser pointer lollipop experiment.

As you can see, there are a ton of great light experiments for kids that are both fun and educational. We hope this list has inspired you to try out some of these activities with your children or students.

If you end up trying one (or more) of them, we’d love to hear about it. Which activity jumped out at you? Share it with your friends!

Other Science Activities:

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Easy Motion Science Experiment that Will Wow Your Kids

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Super Cool Easy Science Experiments for Kids - Learn about Sound

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Primary Science Resources for the National Curriculum

Year 3 light.

  • Outstanding Science Year 3

Knowledge and Understanding

Statutory requirements, notes and guidance, lower ks2 - working scientifically, light and shadows year 3.

Pupils explain how we see things, and classify objects as light sources and non-light sources. They identify light sources around the school, recording their results on a tally chart and displaying them on a bar chart. They compare how both light sources and reflective objects help us to see at night and distinguish between them, sorting them in a Venn diagram. Pupils investigate whether classroom objects are transparent, translucent or opaque, and display their results in a nested Venn diagram. They investigate how an object’s shape determines its shadow, and the relationship between an object’s position and the shadow it casts. they explain the dangers of Sun exposure and suggest ways of protecting their eyes and skin. Pupils apply their knowledge by making and calibrating their own sundials, and explaining how they work.

Investigating shadow size Investigation Free!

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d007.

  • Description
  • National Curriculum
  • Key learning

Learning objective

I can investigate how moving a light source changes the size of an object's shadow.

Children investigate how moving a light source affects the size of an object's shadow. They predict and then measure the width of the shadow cast when the light source is at a range of distances. They transfer their results from their table to a bar chart. Finally, they attempt to explain the relationship between light source distance and shadow size.

  • 3d5 : find patterns in the way that the size of shadows change.

Light sources Worksheet

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d001.

I can identify light sources.

Children learn that we see things because they are either light sources that make light, and that we see them because light travels directly into our eyes, or they are non-light sources that we can see because light reflects off them into our eyes. They cut out 12 different images and place them into 2 groups - light sources and non-light sources.

  • 3d1 : recognise that they need light in order to see things and that dark is the absence of light

Light sources in our school Investigation

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d002.

I can identify light sources in our school.

Children investigate the number of light sources in the different rooms in their school, starting with their classroom. They record their findings on a tally chart which they then turn into a frequency table. Finally, children display their results on a horizontal bar chart, selecting a suitable scale for their graph. They discuss what a light source is, how most light sources are powered and why different rooms have different numbers of light sources.

  • 3d2 : notice that light is reflected from surfaces

Light sources and reflectors Worksheet

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d003.

I can identify whether an object is a light source or a reflector.

Children learn that some objects are visible because they are light sources and some are visible because they reflect light. Children look at 9 different images of objects that help us to see at night. They identify whether they are light sources or reflectors, and place them on a single-set Venn diagram to record their classification.

Sun safety Worksheet

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d004.

I can explain how the Sun can be dangerous and ways we can protect ourselves.

Children learn about the importance of the Sun as the ultimate energy source for all life on Earth. They also learn about different ways in which exposure to the Sun can be dangerous to humans. Children explain, and illustrate, ways in which the Sun can damage our eyes and skin and ways that this damage can be minimised.

  • 3d3 : recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes

Forming shadows Investigation

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d005.

I can explain how shadows are formed.

Children learn that shadows are formed when an opaque object blocks the path of light, which travels in straight lines. They use a light source to cast an object's shadow onto a piece of paper and draw around the outline. They investigate and explain into how the shape of an object affects its shadow.

  • 3d4 : recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by a solid object

Transparent, Translucent, Opaque Investigation

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d006.

I can group objects according to whether they are transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Children learn that we can classify objects as transparent, translucent or opaque depending on how light behaves when it hits them. They carry out an investigation to classify a selection of classroom objects as transparent, translucent, or opaque. They display their findings in a Venn diagram with 2 sets, one nested inside the other.

Making a sundial Investigation

Outstanding science year 3 | light | os3d008.

I can make a sundial and explain how it works.

Children learn that shadows cast by the Sun change in length and direction during the day because of the apparent motion of the Sun across the sky (though this is really caused by the roration of the Earth). Using a gnomon (such as a cricket wicket) and chalk, children create their own sundial on the yard. They calibrate their sundial and explain how it works.

Get instant access to all of our Year 3 resources.

Outstanding science - year 3 contains all of the following units:.

Unit 3A - Plants

Unit 3B - Animals, Including Humans

Unit 3C - Rocks

Unit 3D - Light

Unit 3E - Forces And Magnets

Outstanding Science

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Learn about rainbows, camouflage, color, stars, eyes and all kinds of interesting light topics. As well as activities for children, there are also lesson plans and worksheets for teachers, ideas for parents and a whole host of online teaching resources for anyone interested in the science subjects of light and vision.

 

Have fun learning about science with these cool light . Enjoy a range of interactive activities that will help you understand light sources, reflections, shadows, and how humans see.

Try this fun science game for kids and enjoy experimenting with light while learning about shadows and the sun.

Learn about how we see and enjoy the challenge of illuminating a range of different objects using light and mirrors.

Understand the difference between a light source and a reflection with this cool science game for kids.

Light and vision experiments for kids

Enjoy our fun light experiments . Make a rainbow and experiment with light, color and heat.

Do some colors absorb more light than others? Experiment and find out.

Separate sunlight into different colors and make a rainbow using refraction.

Does light bend? Use water to see if you can bend light like magic.

Light science videos for kids

Take a look at these cool science videos related to the topic of light. Learn what scientists know about the sun, see how light bulbs are made and watch a spectacular lightning strike.

How are light bulbs made and how do they work? Find out with this interesting science video.

Learn how our view of the sun has changed over time thanks to new theories and inventions such as telescopes and satellites.

Enjoy the epic noise, bright light and incredible intensity of a lightning strike with this science video.

Free light images, pictures, diagrams and photos for kids

Check out our cool range of light related pictures , photos and diagrams.

Find interesting images of optical illusions, the sun, aurora borealis, the visible spectrum, electricity, the human eye, colors and more.

Light and vision facts for kids

Check out these fun light facts for kids and learn more about sunlight, human eyes, the speed of light, optics, ultraviolet light and infrared light.

Enjoy a range of fun light facts and trivia related to sunlight, rainbows, wavelengths, electromagnetic radiation and more.

These fun eye facts for kids help explain the processes that allow us to see the world around us.

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and wondered which stars are the closest to Earth? Our top ten list helps answer that question for you.

Light quizzes for kids

Take the challenge of our quizzes related to light science. How much do you know about light properties, processes and uses?

The process of light bending as it enters a new medium is known as what?

Do you understand electric currents, light bulbs and batteries?

Can you unscramble all the words related to light and physics?

Light and vision lesson plans and worksheets

Enjoy our fun lesson plans which include activities related to camouflage and physics. Make use of all our free teaching resources, classroom ideas and fun worksheets while finding activities and information on topics such as light and vision.

Enjoy a fun activity while learning how animals use camouflage to blend in or stand out from their environment.

How quickly can you find words related to light and physics? Find out with this printable physics word search for kids.

Earth science fair projects for kids

Make a kaleidoscope and get some great ideas for a range of fun light and physics science fair projects . Check out our suggested topics and find one you like.

Make a kaleidoscope and learn how they form beautiful colors and patterns.

Check out our full list of physics based science fair project ideas.

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light experiments for ks2

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light experiments for ks2

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light experiments for ks2

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Light screenshot about the speed of light

In this interactive resource you can learn about reflection, refraction and dispersion. Then once you've got the basics use mirrors and glass blocks to direct light to a target and unlock new puzzles. Finally build your own light puzzle.

light experiments for ks2

Resource location: http://www.primaryschoolscience.co.uk/Light-Lab/light-interactive-1.html

light experiments for ks2

Are you a teacher or parent?

If you've found this resource useful, you can share it here, and browse any additional teaching materials for this resource.

You can download the accompanying teaching notes for this resource   here .

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Find out about electricity and circuits by reading useful info, trying activities and test yourself in the quizzes.

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Light waves

Light is conceptually difficult for many students and misconceptions can persist unless challenged.  The resources in this list not only provide a range of activities and demonstrations, but also background information, practical tips, information on misconceptions and suggested teaching strategies.

This list links to the following topis;

• light waves travelling through a vacuum; speed of light • the transmission of light through materials: absorption, diffuse scattering and specular reflection at a surface • use of ray model to explain imaging in mirrors, the pinhole camera, the refraction of light and action of convex lens in focusing (qualitative); the human eye • colours and the different frequencies of light, white light and prisms (qualitative only); differential colour effects in absorption and diffuse reflection

Visit the secondary science webpage to access all lists: https://www.stem.org.uk/secondary-science

Whilst this list provides a source of information and ideas for experimental work, it is important to note that recommendations can date very quickly. Do NOT follow suggestions which conflict with current advice from CLEAPSS, SSERC or recent safety guides. eLibrary users are responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is consistent with current regulations related to Health and Safety and that they carry an appropriate risk assessment. Further information is provided in our Health and Safety guidance.

Lighting Designer *suitable for home teaching*

Quality Assured Category: Design and technology Publisher: Department for Education

This Department for Education clip illustrates the major role that science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects play in the creative industries. The video follows Will a lighting software designer who designs the lighting for concerts, plays, films, pop videos and other entertainment events. Will describes the need for a good grounding in physics and mathematics to do his job.

light experiments for ks2

Light 11-14

Quality Assured Category: Physics Publisher: Institute of Physics: Supporting Physics Teaching

Here is a whole set of resources from the Institute of Physics (IOP) on the topic of light specifically designed for key stage three students. You can find the activities in the teaching approaches section. The physics narrative section and the teaching and leaning notes will be particularly appreciated by those teaching outside of their specialism.

light experiments for ks2

Dispensing Optics

Quality Assured Category: Careers Publisher: Future Morph

Produced for Future Morph, this short video looks at several students following ophthalmic dispensing and contact lens courses. The students describe the work they are doing with lenses and how this relates to the science they learnt at GCSE level. It illustrates some of the career opportunities available in the eye care industry. Also included are some simple student activities, with accompanying teacher guidance, that illustrate how images are formed with lenses.

light experiments for ks2

Light and Optics Teacher Resource and Class Activities

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: NASA

This resource provides a wealth of ideas for investigating light and colour.  Ignore the fact that the levels are linked to the American school system (it was produced by NASA) because the activities are equally suited the the Key Stage Three curriculum.

Using lenses, prisms and mirrors students create telescopes, periscopes, microscopes and kaleidoscopes. Other activities include finding focal length and understanding reflection, refraction and diffraction.

The activity on pages 13-16 can be carried out as a demonstration which students will find highly amusing. For a variation of this activity, you can draw a simple maize and ask students to take it in turns to try to draw a line from the start the the finish by only looking in the mirror, but they won't be able to do it!  You can use a visualiser to project their efforts onto the board. 

Tyndall Effect: Red Sky at Night

Quality Assured Category: Physics Publisher: Solar Spark

This demonstration will captivate students.  It helps to answer the simple, yet complex question: Why is the sky blue and the sunset red?

It's all to do with the scattering of the different colours in visible light and can be easily demonstrated using a suspension of milk in water.

light experiments for ks2

The Disappearing Coin Trick

Quality Assured Category: Demonstrations Publisher: Queen Mary University of London

Great for a starter to grab students attention.  Take a coin and place it under a clear, empty drinking glass. Students will be able to see the coin clearly through the glass. Then you slowly pour normal water into the glass and as it fills up, the coin vanishes.

light experiments for ks2

Shadow illusion

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Veritasium

These Veritasium videos are a good way to capture students' attention at the beginning of a topic and create a sense of curiosity!

Derek Muller asks members of the public to predict the outcome of his simple pinhole experiments.

Holding up pieces of card with a different shaped hole in each, the image that appears on a wall is always a circle!

You could stop the film two minutes in and challenge students to explain why this happens, leading into an experiment with pinhole cameras so that students can work out the answer using ray diagrams

light experiments for ks2

The Vanishing Head aka Ghost Drink Trick

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Queen Mary University of London

In this magic trick, based on Pepper's ghost, any object placed in a box becomes transparent or sometimes even vanishes. By controlling the relative amounts of light transmitted and reflected through a piece of Perspex at a 45 degree angle, objects seem to appear or vanish.

Colour mixing

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Royal Institution

Such a great way to demonstrate colour light mixing.  You could do the demo yourself, or show the students the film. 

light experiments for ks2

Do Try This at Home: the Light Collection *suitable for home teaching*

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Institute of Physics

Here's a selection of ideas that students can try out for themselves at home.  You could ask them to choose three to show someone in their family and then explain how it works to them. 

light experiments for ks2

Sound and Light

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Reach Out CPD

After you've demonstrated how a sound wave travels by using a slinky, here's a very visual and captivating demonstration.

Martin Archer, from Imperial College, explores how to increase a child’s understanding of sound through a visual demonstration of a sound wave. He explains how a Rubens Tube can be used to show a sound wave by passing sound through a metal tube full of gas. The top of the tube has tiny holes along it, through which the gas escapes. When lit the flame length varies showing the compressions and rarefactions of the sound wave.

light experiments for ks2

Seeing Pink Elephants

Quality Assured Category: Physics Publisher: Institute of Physics

This is a great activity to show how the eye sees colour and how the eye can be tricked into seeing the wrong colour,  in this case, pink elephants.

When the human eye is exposed to one colour for a relatively long period of time, the cone cells will become saturated with that colour. Once the eye is exposed to a broad range of colours again, the brain will pick up weaker signals from that colour and an image with that colour missing will be formed.

IMAGES

  1. 11+ Bright and Shining Light Experiments for Kids

    light experiments for ks2

  2. 11+ Bright and Shining Light Experiments for Kids

    light experiments for ks2

  3. 3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids to Do

    light experiments for ks2

  4. 9 Science Experiments about Light for Kids

    light experiments for ks2

  5. Light display ks2 year 6 science

    light experiments for ks2

  6. Simple Science Experiments: Light Refraction Experiment

    light experiments for ks2

VIDEO

  1. light Experiments 💡⚡ #light #ledlights #capacitor #shorts #youtubeshorts #trending #viral

  2. refraction of light demonstration

  3. Speed of light experiments

  4. EXPERIMENTAL DEMONSTRATION OF POLARISATION OF LIGHT

  5. Refraction of Light

  6. Create Your Own Rainbow: Fun Science Experiment For Kids

COMMENTS

  1. 16 Science Projects and Lessons About Visible Light

    The free STEM projects, experiments, lessons and activities below help educators teach K-12 students about the physics of light, specifically, visible light, with hands-on exploration and active learning. The resources below have been grouped by grade band to help educators select the experiments and lessons that best fit their needs.

  2. Light Experiments for Kids

    Light Experiments for Kids. This is a set of simple activities that introduce science to young children, through common questions and experiences they have had. This resource includes clear instructions, a list of equipment you will need and a written explanation of the science behind the activity you are experiencing with your child.

  3. 3 Super Simple Light Experiments for Kids to Do

    This simple light science experiment introduces three new ones: penetrate: or when light will pass through an object to be visible on the other side. reflect: or when the light bounces back at you, like with a mirror or something shiny. stop: or when the light is blocked, not reflecting or penetrating. variable: what changes in different steps ...

  4. Lenses and Light Experiment

    This Lenses and Light Experiment Activity Sheet would make a great addition to your science teaching unit on the ways light can be refracted. In this experiment, your learners will investigate how a lens, such as a magnifying glass, alters an image when light is shone through it. For more great resources like this one, check out our Light collection.

  5. Light Refraction Experiment

    Fill the glass almost to the top. Draw arrows on one piece of of card or paper. Place the paper behind the glass and watch as the arrow points the other way. Now try to think of a word that still makes sense if you put it behind the glass. We tried bud, the green ( badly drawn ) plant is on the opposite side when the paper is not behind the glass.

  6. Year 3: Light

    Modelling Light. Though aimed at older children the idea of modelling light using a ribbon and other techniques used in this short demonstration could be used in Year 3. Children could model how light travels from different sources in a straight line and how light is reflected from certain surfaces, changing the direction it travels.

  7. Key Stage 2 Science Experiments

    Light Experiments for Kids. Make a light maze to learn about light travelling in straight lines and reflection. Learn about light and refraction with these direction swapping arrows. Try one of our simple shadow investigations including drawing around 3D shapes, making a sundial and creating shadow puppets. Electricity. Learn how to make a ...

  8. Light Lab

    Free interactive activities for children to learn about light. They will discover that Light is a visible form of energy. Light travels very fast. Shiny surfaces such as mirrors or polished metal will reflect light. Transparent objects will slow down light, causing it to bend upon entry or exit. This is called refraction. Transparent objects with non parallel surfaces can separate white light ...

  9. Year 6: Light

    Year 6: Light. This list consists of lesson plans, activities and video clips to support the teaching of light in year six. It contains tips on using the resources, suggestions for further use and background subject knowledge. Possible misconceptions are highlighted, so that teachers may plan lessons to facilitate correct conceptual understanding.

  10. Science Fair Project

    Light Maze 1 - Light up the road. This one is set up like a road. The idea is to find a way for the grey car to light up the road around both corners. Two mirrors allow this to work nicely. You can see here how each mirror reflects the light.

  11. Fun Friday

    Place the empty bottle beside the sink and, using the pin, make a small hole in the side of the bottle, about half way up. Place your finger over the hole and fill the bottle with water. Turn on the torch and shine the torch on the bottle, behind the hole. Make sure the side with the hole is positioned towards the sink.

  12. Light: Year 6 Science Unit Pack

    This unit pack for Light: Year 6 Science features six dynamic lessons on Light including Reflecting Light, Refraction and Seeing Colours. Each of these lessons comes with a lesson plan, activities to do with your class and explanations to help children understand the topics. Simply download and print to get started - no planning needed! This Light: Year Six Science unit pack also includes ...

  13. Light Science for Kids: Ways to Explore Refraction and Reflection

    Explore Light Patterns with a Mylar Light Box from Buggy and Buddy. Find more STEM activities in our ebook! Learn more about it here, or b uy it now here! Here's a fun collection of light science for kids! You'll find light science experiments about both light refraction and light reflection in this science roundup.

  14. Light

    This resource from Physicists in Primary Schools (PIPS) supports the teaching of [b]light[/b] at Key Stage Two. A presentation introduces sources of light and how we see them, demonstrating how we see objects, reflection of light, composition of white light and primary colours. The presentation is interspersed with class experiments, games and activities linking children's knowledge with ...

  15. Ignite Your Kids' Curiosity with These 16 Dazzling Light Experiments

    Candy Wrapper Science - Color Mixing. Kids will have a lot of fun exploring color mixing and light with this hands-on science exploration. Laser Science for Kids: The Glowing Lollipop. Learn about light refraction with this cool laser pointer lollipop experiment. As you can see, there are a ton of great light experiments for kids that are ...

  16. Outstanding Science

    Children learn that light travels in straight lines and can be made to follow a path by placing mirrors in its path. Children use a simple grid and position mirrors at 45° angles to make light travel through a maze. They solve 12 increasingly difficult problems, and use a blank sheet to create their own. 5 pages.

  17. Year 3

    3d1: recognise that they need light in order to see things and that dark is the absence of light. 3d2: notice that light is reflected from surfaces. 3d3: recognise that light from the sun can be dangerous and that there are ways to protect their eyes. 3d4: recognise that shadows are formed when the light from a light source is blocked by a ...

  18. Light Science for Kids

    Turn on the lights and discover the science subject of light for kids with our cool range of experiments, free games, science fair projects, fun facts, interesting quizzes, videos and more! Learn about rainbows, camouflage, color, stars, eyes and all kinds of interesting light topics. As well as activities for children, there are also lesson ...

  19. 108 Top "Light Experiment" Teaching Resources curated for you.

    Australian Resource. Explore more than 108 "Light Experiment" resources for teachers, parents and pupils as well as related resources on "Light Experiments". Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!

  20. Light

    Light. <. >. In this interactive resource you can learn about reflection, refraction and dispersion. Then once you've got the basics use mirrors and glass blocks to direct light to a target and unlock new puzzles. Finally build your own light puzzle. Visit site.

  21. Light waves

    This list links to the following topis; • light waves travelling through a vacuum; speed of light. • the transmission of light through materials: absorption, diffuse scattering and specular reflection at a surface. • use of ray model to explain imaging in mirrors, the pinhole camera, the refraction of light and action of convex lens in ...