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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!
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.
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.
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.
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’?
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 Activities for Preschoolers from Carrots Are Orange
This post includes loads of light energy experiments and ideas to explore.
DIY Sundial from KC Adventures
Learn an easy way to make a sundial using simple materials.
UV Light Experiment from Inspiration Laboratories
Try this simple exploration to explore ultraviolet light with your child.
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.
Reflection Science with Light Patterns in a Box from Buggy & Buddy
A super cool and remarkably easy-to-put-together light energy experiment.
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!
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?”
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
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
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 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!
