Light is Made of Colors

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Learners observe different light sources, outdoors and indoors, using prism glasses (diffraction glasses) and color filters. Natural light (sun) and artificial light (lamp, candle, LED) sources are broken up into component colors by the glasses, and filters are used to block different colors. Both shadows and paints are also explained as types of filters. The activity is written as part of a kit that could be checked out of a library, though the kit is not required.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$5 - $10 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 8
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • notebook and pen/pencil
  • 1
 pair
 of 
diffraction
 (prism) glasses (if available)
  • 1
 large
 paint 
brush
  • 1
 pair
 of 
scissors
  • toothpicks
  • flashlight, lamp, lit candle, and/or LED
  • 1
 box
 of 
crayons
  • 3
 pieces
 of 
cellophane: 
red, 
green, 
blue
  • ball bearing or metal spoon
  • glass of water or garden hose (if no prism available)
  • tape
  • paint (red, blue, yellow)
  • painting surface (paper, card stock, etc.)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Solar System
      • The Sun
  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
    • Light and Optics
      • Lenses and Mirrors
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Informal Categories

  • Arts and Crafts
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

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

Other

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Shaw, Maisie ; Gomez, Maria

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Passport to Chemistry Adventure Program, Mount Holyoke College, 2010

Funding Source:

  • Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, Inc.