The Babe was given a prism as a very cool party favor the other day. I’ve been itching to do some light science and art with her so this gave me the perfect set up for a Five Minute Craft.
What is a Prism and How Does it Make a Rainbow?
A prism is a piece of transparent material with flat polished surfaces that refracts, or bends, light. The speed of light changes as it passes from from the air through the prism, causing the light to refract. Each wavelength of light travels at different speed through the prism causing them to bend at a different angle. This separates the light into a full spectrum of color.
Prism Play and Chalk Art
Rain drops are nature’s prisms and make beautiful rainbow art in the sky. So can your kiddos with a few simple things: black paper, flashlight, chalk and a prism
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I set up some black paper in a mostly dark room and placed the prism on top. First The Babe had fun exploring different patterns the prism made depending upon how the flashlight was held. I was surprised to see so many different patterns, too.
Then we got out the chalk and began tracing the light patterns on the paper. I just love how chalk looks on black paper!
For other interesting science learning activities check out the Left Brain Craft Brain Science board on Pinterest. Or like Left Brain Craft Brain on Facebook and stay tuned for my next science turned art activity.
