light experiments for ks2

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Primary Science Resources for the National Curriculum

Year 6 light.

• Outstanding Science Year 6

Knowledge and Understanding

Statutory requirements, notes and guidance, upper ks2 - working scientifically, light year 6.

Pupils explain how we see by creating labelled diagrams. They identify the parts of the human eye and explain their function on an information poster. Pupils consider how mirrors can be used to change the path of light in a predictable way. Using protractors, they discuss where rear-view mirrors should be placed on scale diagrams. They apply their knowledge by building a periscope and explaining its function. Pupils investigate the relationship between the position of an object and the size of its shadow, displaying their findings on a line graph. Using scale diagrams, they predict and calculate the size of shadow cast by different objects. They demonstrate that white light is composed of a spectrum using prisms and colour spinners.

Objects and their shadows Worksheet Free!

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d008.

• National Curriculum

Learning objective

I can explain how the shape and size of a shadow are determined.

Children use a ruler to draw the shape of a shadow cast by an object on a simple plan diagram. They predict and then measure the width of each shadow, and try to find what kind of set-up produces the widest shadows.

• 6d4 : use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them.

Making a periscope Investigation

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d001.

I can make a periscope and explain how it works.

Children learn that a periscope is a device made from 2 angled mirrors that enables the user to see around obstacles. Using the template provided, along with 2 small mirrors, children construct their own simple periscope. They attempt to explain how it works.

• 6d1 : recognise that light appears to travel in straight lines

Positioning a rear-view mirror Worksheet

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d002.

I can calculate the best position for a rear-view mirror.

Children learn that light rays travel in straight lines, and that mirrors can make light reflect at precise angles, depending on their own position and angle. Children look at 4 simple diagrams. They predict, and then calculate (using a ruler and protractor) the best position for a mirror, so that the viewer (a car driver) can see an object (a motorcycle headlamp). They look for patterns between different distances and angles in their diagrams.

The human eye Worksheet

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d003.

I can label the main parts of the human eye and explain their functions.

Children learn about the main parts of the human eye, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina and optic nerve. They use this information to create and label their own diagram of a human eye, cutting and pasting the descriptions provided or writing their own.

• 6d2 : use the idea that light travels in straight lines to explain that objects are seen because they give out or reflect light into the eye

Reflecting light Worksheet

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d004.

I can use my knowledge of reflection to place mirrors to make light follow a path.

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.

How we see things Worksheet

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d005.

I can explain how we see light sources and non-light sources.

Children learn that we see light sources because they create light which travels in a straight line into our eyes. They learn that we can see non-light sources because light from light sources reflects (bounces) off them into our eyes. Children use a selection of images to build their own diagram showing how we see light sources and non-light sources.

• 6d3 : explain that we see things because light travels from light sources to our eyes or from light sources to objects and then to our eyes

The light spectrum Investigation

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d006.

I can explain how white light is made up of a spectrum of different colours.

Children learn that white light is a combination of different colours, and that these colours exist on the visible light spectrum. They learn how white light can be split up into its component colours. Children use a prism and a light source to create a rainbow effect and discuss how it is caused. They learn that a range of colours can be combined into white light. Children create a spinner, which they spin using either string or a pencil, to demonstrate this.

Investigating shadows Investigation

Outstanding science year 6 | light | os6d007.

I can explain how moving an object changes the size of its shadow.

Children learn that shadows are formed when light is blocked by an opaque object, creating a pattern of light on a surface. Children investigate what happens to its shadow when an object is moved towards a light source. They predict and then measure the width of an object's shadow at different distances from the light source. Children record their information in a table and use it to create a line graph. They attempt to explain the relationship between distance and shadow width.

Get instant access to all of our Year 6 resources.

Outstanding science - year 6 contains all of the following units:.

Unit 6A - Living Things And Their Habitats

Unit 6B - Animals, Including Humans

Unit 6C - Evolution And Inheritance

Unit 6D - Light

Unit 6E - Electricity

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Year 3: Light

This list consists of lesson plans, activities, video clips and interactive resources to support the teaching of light in Year Three. 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. Designed to support the new curriculum programme of study it aims to cover many of the requirements for knowledge and understanding and working scientifically. The statutory requirements are that children are taught to:

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

• notice that light is reflected from surfaces

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

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

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

Visit the primary science  webpage to access all lists.

An introduction to light sources *suitable for home teaching*

Children may still think that light comes from out eyes and this is why we can see things. Showing images of a variety of light sources, both natural and manmade will help children see that light comes from a source not from their eyes. Examples of reflective light, e.g. the Moon, traffic signs are also included, so children can see that some things may appear to give out light when in fact they are reflecting it. This could be a good way of making a distinction between sources of light and an object which reflects light as children often form misconceptions around this area. This concept is difficult for some children and may be built upon in relevant topics later in the Key Stage.

Access all BBC short clips aimed at KS2, which help to illustrate the properties of light - a great source of lesson starters/discussion points!

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Institute of Physics

The first 7 slides of the presentation show different sources of light including light from cold sources, which helps with the misconception that only hot objects give out light. Using the activity with feely bags helps children understand that when there is no light in the bag we cannot see inside it. When the torch shines in the bag they can see the objects. This is because light bounces off the objects in the bag and travels to their eyes.

Modelling Light

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Teachers TV

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. Working in groups children could then build their own model and draw what is happening on a large sheet of paper. This helps children see that light can not bend around things or travel through objects. It also helps them see how a shadow is formed as the light can not pass through opaque object.

Making Shadows

This video explores how shadow puppets can be used to explore light, shadows and storytelling.The way characters appear and disappear illustrates how shadows are formed and how they change when objects are put in front of a light source. Children could make their own puppets to tell a story. They could work scientically to investigate what happens to shadows when the light source moves further away or closer to the puppet.  

Explore, Discover, Inspire: Practical Work in Primary Science

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: SCORE

This activity encourages children to work scientifically to investigate and find a solution to an everyday problem. Putting the investigation into a context, that of a man who works nights and needs to sleep in the day, gives them a reason for carrying out the investigation. Using the knowledge that an opaque material would be the best for replacement curtains, children test a collection of different samples, analysing the shadows formed and then recording the light levels with a data logger. The lesson idea is on pages 17-18 of the pdf.

Shadow puppet experiment

Quality Assured Category: Design and technology Publisher: Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)

This cross-curricular resource focuses on making shadow puppets and developing knowledge about the relationship between light and shadow.

Kitchen Concoctions

Quality Assured Category: Science Publisher: Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC)

Children can explore a range of mixtures, through fun kitchen science practicals and scenarios.

Science of Healthy Skin

Quality Assured Category: Design and technology Publisher: Centre for Industry Education Collaboration (CIEC)

Relates to Y3 light.

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Light Travels in Straight Lines — Experiments (Year 6)

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Help children to learn about how light travels with this worksheet. It includes two different experiments that demonstrate how light travels in a straight lines, even when reflected. Detailed instructions and diagrams are provided.

• Key Stage: Key Stage 2
• Subject: Science
• Topic: Light
• Topic Group: Physical Processes
• Year(s): Year 6
• Media Type: PDF
• Resource Type: Activities & Games
• Last Updated: 25/10/2023
• Resource Code: S2WAC1725
• Curriculum Point(s): Recognise that light appears to travel in straight lines.

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Related Resources

Shadow Experiment (Year 3)

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Light — Periscopes (Year 6)

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Light Science for Kids: Ways to Explore Refraction and Reflection

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You can read more on our disclosure page .

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!

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.

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

Light Box Magic from  True Aim

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

Light Refraction with Water

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

How to Make a Magnifying Glass from Science Sparks

Light Reflection and Mirrors

How to Make a Kaleidoscope from Buggy and Buddy

Exploring Reflections with Mirrors from Buggy and Buddy

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

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 !

Chelsey was previously an elementary teacher for 12 years and is now creating, playing, and learning at home with her two children. You can follow Buggy and Buddy on Twitter or Facebook by clicking on the icons below.

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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.

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.

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.

Two mirrors allow this to work nicely.

You can see here how each mirror reflects the light.

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.

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

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 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 .

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

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

April 29, 2024 at 1:06 pm

Thank you, that is now corrected!

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11+ Bright and Shining Light Experiments for Kids

Categories Science Experiments

These light experiments for kids are fun and easy to do. They’re the perfect way to teach them about how light works and even take it further to talk about refraction and reflection as well. You can also use these activities to talk about circuits and how energy travels to create the light that we’ve all come to need and love.

This list of fun science experiments for kids are a great way to show kids that it’s fun to learn by using hands-on experiments as well. These light science activities are all simple and easy to do and produce really bright and cool results!

Here are some great choices for unique light science experiments for kids.

Light Science Experiments for Kids

Kids love learning about light because it’s something we use everyday. If you’re learning about light, you’ll want to try some of the light experiments on this list!

Get ready to learn fun things about how light works, how shadows work, and where light comes from!

Where Does Light Come From?

Light is a form of energy. Energy is a power by which things move. On earth, most of our light comes from the sun.

The sun is a star. Other stars are too far away from our planet to give us usable light.

Light from the sun can travel by particle or by waves. Its wave form is how we see color. Long wavelengths produce colors like red and orange. Shorter light waves generate blues and purples. All the colors together create white light.

Light travels incredibly fast. Light can travel about 186,282 miles per second. Crazy!

Other light sources can include fire, electricity, and even some animals, plants and minerals can give off forms of light.

Supplies for Light Science Activities

Shop these Amazon affiliate links to make sure you’re not missing anything from your light experiments!

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11+ Light Experiments for Kids

Check out these super fun experiments for learning about light!

Learn about the visible light spectrum when you make a rainbow density jar!

Learn about where light comes from when you learn about far away stars and galaxies with this Galaxy Jar Experiment .

Observe how light changes when it is filtered through this Melted Crayon Suncatcher.

Learn about how circuits and electric lights work when you learn How to Use Squishy Circuits .

The kids will love seeing how the light refracts from various angles in this Light Refraction Experiment .

Show them a true light show by using this fun Flashlight Constellations activity.

See how the light affects this oobleck and changes it into a Glow in the Dark Oobleck experiment .

Can you ever have too many Glow in the Dark Science Experiments ? I think not!

The light is what makes these Shadow Experiments so much fun.

Learning about Rainbow Salt Circuit s is a fun and easy way to learn about how electricity can flow through something natural and still make light!

The Easy Static Electricity Experiment with a Balloon is a great way to talk about energy and light flow.

Does the pencil really bend or is it just a refraction of the light? Find out with this bending pencil experiment.

This silver egg science experiment looks like magic, but it’s actually a really cool scientific trick of the light!

Find out if light will shine through different types of rocks.

Explore shapes and light with this geometric light table activity.

More Science Experiments for Kids

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How to Make a LEGO Rainbow with Classic LEGO Bricks

25 Rainbow Science Experiments with Bright and Beautiful Colors

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Share this project with a friend!

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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!

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

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…

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 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.

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.

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 ”

Your article is interesting. May I share this article?

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

it is an great expriment

Brilliant! Thank you for sharing 🙂

Can’t wait to try these Naomi!

Hope the kids enjoy them Laura

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

Thanks Anne Marie that comment makes my day 😉

I need to try these 🙂

Comments are closed.

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Cool Light Refraction Science Experiment – Arrow Changes Direction!

Magic trick? No, but the results of this experiment are pretty surprising. Kids (and adults) will stare in amazement and scratch their heads wondering what causes the arrow in this experiment to change direction right before their eyes! The secret is light refraction.

Exploring light refraction couldn’t be easier or more fun, simply preview the experiment with our demonstration video below and find an easy to understand explanation of how it works below.

JUMP TO SECTION:   Instructions  |  Video Tutorial  |  How it Works

Supplies Needed

• Piece of Paper

Light Refraction Science Lab Kit – Only $5

Use our easy Light Refraction Science Lab Kit to grab your students’ attention without the stress of planning!

It’s everything you need to  make science easy for teachers and fun for students  — using inexpensive materials you probably already have in your storage closet!

Light Refraction Science Experiment Instructions

Step 1 – Get a sheet of paper and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.

Step 2 – Fill a glass with water.

Step 3 – Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.

Step 4 –  Look through the glass of water and watch what happens. Do you know why the arrow appears to change directions? Find out the answer in the how does this experiment work section below.

Video Tutorial

How Does the Science Experiment Work

The scientific concept that is at work in this experiment is called refraction. Refraction is the bending of light. Refraction occurs when light travels from one medium to another (ie. air to water, water to air).

During the experiment, the light traveled from the image through the air, then through the glass cup into the water, and finally out of the glass cup and into the air once more before it reached our eyes. Light refracts as it passes from one medium to the next because it travels at different speeds through those mediums. Light travels fastest through air, a little slower through water, and even slower through glass.

This means that the light bends once when it travels through the glass cup into the water, and then it bends again when it travels out of the glass cup and into the air. As a result, the light paths cross and the image appears to be flipped horizontally (left/right).

Light Refraction Examples

The following are examples of refraction that occur all around us.

• Glasses or Contacts – The lenses of glasses and contacts are designed to bend light in ways that help a persons improve vision.
• Rainbow – Rainbows are formed when the rays of sunlight bend (refract) when they travel through rain drops.
• Cameras – A camera works because the lens causes the light rays to refract. 

More Experiments that Show Light Refraction

Refraction of Light Science Experiment – Watch as the straw appears to bend in this experiment that shows refraction in action.

Ruler Changes Size Science Experiment  – Observe how the size of an object changed when viewed through different liquids. 

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Light Refraction Science Experiment

Instructions.

• Get a sheet of paper, and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.
• Fill a glass with water.
• Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.
• Look through the glass of water and watch what happens.

Reader Interactions

February 5, 2017 at 9:25 am

THIS IS COOL. MY DAUGHTER WON THE SCHOOL WIDE SCIENCE PROJECT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS EXPERIMENT!

April 20, 2018 at 3:07 pm

Cause of the reflection of the water.

September 10, 2019 at 11:45 am

*refraction

January 7, 2021 at 3:53 pm

I can’t get this to work. I have used a round glass and a square plastic container. I’ve moved the piece of paper close to the container of water and father back. I have lowered the paper quickly and very slowly. Clearly it works, so what am I missing? The size of the arrows? The size of the paper?

Help! I teach a science class to elementary school children and would love to do this. Please answer [email protected]

May 23, 2018 at 7:33 am

This is because of refraction

January 22, 2019 at 3:42 am

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing

May 29, 2019 at 8:03 am

It was very useful and unique. It impressed my teacher a lot.

January 7, 2021 at 4:11 pm

I was finally able to get the arrow to change direction, but it appears that the mechanism is not the water, but the shape of the glass. It did not work with a square or wide straight sided glass. It did work in a straight sided narrow glass, but the arrow was distorted and could be manipulated back and forth by moving the paper.

March 2, 2022 at 2:52 am

Wow, this helped me for my school project i won second place thank you so much

August 4, 2022 at 7:27 pm

I tried this in a square glass container and the arrow does not change direction.

Does the concave/convex shape of the glass have something to do with the result?

May 22, 2023 at 10:07 am

That’s a great question. Do you have multiple glass containers to try the experiment with? That way you can test to see if the shape of the contain changes the results of the experiment. If you try it, come back to let us know what you find.

July 31, 2023 at 6:30 pm

It was refraction that caused the change of direction

It is caused by the refraction or the shape of the glass.

September 28, 2023 at 6:22 am

Thnx, I got 3rd position in my competition! 🤤

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Hands On As We Grow®

Hands on kids activities for hands on moms. Focusing on kids activities perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.

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!

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 .

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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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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