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Home » Activities » Science » Explore How Cats Eyes Glow with this Science Activity

Explore How Cats Eyes Glow with this Science Activity

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure .

One afternoon my sons had loads of questions about cats, mainly how cats see and why cat eyes appear to glow in the dark. Why do cats’ eyes glow? Maybe you’re wondering “Can cats see in the dark?” Why not, right? Their eyes glow. It seems like a reasonable conclusion.

Janice Van Cleaves Book Science Projects

So I set off researching for a science activity that would help us explore that concept. Sure enough, I found one in Janice VanCleave’s Big Book of Play and Find Out Science Projects.

Why do cat's eyes glow in the dark activity

Can Cats See in the Dark?

Not really is the short answer but according to this article about how cats see the world compared to humans, cats do have superior night vision.

“Cats can’t see fine detail or rich color but have a superior ability to see in the dark because of the high number of rods in their retina that are sensitive to dim light. As a result, cats can see using roughly one-sixth the amount of light that people need.”

How cool is that? 

Cat Eyes – Science Behind Why They Glow

Why do cat eyes glow

Cat Eyes Science Materials Needed

  • Empty Can
  • A Light
  • Rubber Band
  • Black Piece of Plastic
  • Scissors

Cats Eyes Glow in the Dark Activity

Steps to Cat Eyes Activity

  • Cut a 4 x 4 square of plastic
  • Cut an oval in the center of the plastic square
  • Use a rubber band to secure the plastic over the empty can
  • Grab your light and the can and head into a dark space
  • Hold the can around your chest and have a partner shine the light into the can
  • Observe

Why Do Cats Eyes Glow Science Activity

Science Behind Why Cats Eyes Glow

Cats appear to have glowing cat eyes because the back of their eyeballs includes a special reflective surface called the tapetum lucidum.

Light comes into the eye, the light is supposed to hit the photoreceptor that transmits information to the brain.

When light doesn’t hit the photoreceptor, so the tapetum lucidum acts as a mirror and bounces the light back for another chance.

Why Do Cats Eyes Glow

Resources Exploring Animal Science

  • Arctic Animal Science Experiment for Preschoolers
  • Animal Science – Study of Spiders & Exploring Webs
  • Animal Science Slug Unit – Preschool Zoology
  • Science Project Ideas for Kids
  • The Best Children’s Books about Eyes
  • Explore the Eye’s Blind Spot with Your Kids
  • Unique & Fun Ways to Learn about the Eye
  • Parts of the Eye Activity

Other Science Activities:

How to Build a Magnetic Car with Your Kids

DIY Magnetic Sand Table

Magnetism Science Experiments for Kids: Magnetic Board

Light Activities for Preschoolers - Learning about Light Energy

The Ultimate List of Light Energy Experiments for Kids

Science Activity with Milk & Food Coloring

Science of Flight Activities for Kids

Easy Science Activity with Balloons - How to Build a Balloon Rocket

Easy Science Experiments for Kids - Surface Tension

Easy Motion Science Experiment that Will Wow Your Kids

10+ Amazing Science Activities for Preschoolers

Arctic Animal Science Experiment for Preschoolers

Super Cool Easy Science Experiments for Kids - Learn about Sound

Preschool Physical Science Activity - Leaf Pounding

The Coolest Preschool Science Activity - Surface Tension

What Do Germs Look Like - Science Activity for Kids

Explore How Cats Eyes Glow with this Science Activity

How to Make a Pulley with Kids - Easy Science Activity

Electricity Experiments with Kids: Super Easy Science Experiments

[Baking Soda and Vinegar] Experiment with Balloons - Earth Day Science

 

 

Tagged With: Easy & Inexpensive, Elementary, Kindergarten

About Marnie Craycroft

Marnie hails from Maine where she spent summers buried in sand and winters buried in snow. She is the daughter of a nearly four decade veteran of the public school systems. Teaching has always been a part of her life. She founded Carrots Are Orange in 2010.

Carrots Are Orange is a Montessori learning and living website for parents and teachers.

Marnie graduated from Wesleyan University in 1999 with a BA in Economics. She spent nearly a decade working in investment management. In 2006, she earned her MA in business from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.

Marnie moved to the west coast in 1999 and currently lives in Boulder with her husband and three sons. She is Montessori trained. Her work has been featured on Apartment Therapy, Buzzfeed, PBS Kids, BabyCenter, the Melissa & Doug blog, Huffington Post, and WhattoExpect.com. Besides writing, passions include running (usually after her three sons), photography, and outdoor adventures.

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