3 Exciting Examples of Making a Rainbow

Discover how to create a rainbow using a glass of water and a flashlight with these engaging examples.
By Taylor

Introduction to Making a Rainbow

Creating a rainbow using a glass of water and a flashlight is a fun and educational STEM activity perfect for kids! This experiment demonstrates how light bends and reflects to create colors. Let’s explore three exciting examples that you can try at home or in the classroom!

Example 1: The Simple Rainbow Project

This project is perfect for younger kids who are just getting started with understanding light and color. By simply using a glass of water, a flashlight, and a white piece of paper, children can see how light refracts to form a rainbow.

In this example, you will learn how to set up the experiment and observe the beautiful spectrum of colors.

  1. Gather your materials: You will need a clear glass of water, a flashlight, and a piece of white paper or cardboard.
  2. Set it up: Fill the glass with water, making sure it’s about three-quarters full. Turn off the lights in the room or close the curtains to create a dark environment.
  3. Position the paper: Hold the white paper about 6-12 inches away from the glass.
  4. Shine the light: Turn on the flashlight and aim it at the glass of water at an angle. Move the paper around until you see the rainbow appear!
  5. Observe: Notice how the colors spread out. This is called dispersion, where the water bends the light to show a spectrum.

Notes and Variations

  • Try using different types of glasses or even clear plastic containers to see if the results change.
  • Experiment with the angle of the flashlight to find the best position for the brightest rainbow.

Example 2: The Rainbow Reflection Experiment

This example is slightly more advanced and encourages kids to think about light reflection along with refraction. It’s a great way to discuss how rainbows appear in nature after rain showers.

  1. Materials needed: A clear glass of water, a flashlight, a mirror, and a white sheet of paper.
  2. Set up the experiment: Fill the glass with water, then place the mirror on a flat surface at an angle (about 45 degrees). Position the glass of water so that it is in front of the mirror.
  3. Prepare the environment: Again, make sure the room is dark.
  4. Illuminate the glass: Shine the flashlight into the glass of water, aiming slightly above the water’s surface to reflect the light onto the mirror.
  5. Capture the rainbow: Adjust the position of the mirror and the paper until you see the rainbow reflected on the paper!
  6. Discussion: Talk about how the light is bending in the water and then reflecting off the mirror, creating the rainbow.

Notes and Variations

  • Try changing the angle of the mirror to see how it affects the rainbow’s position on the paper.
  • You can also use colored paper to create different backgrounds for the rainbow effect.

Example 3: The Rainbow in a Jar

This example adds a twist to the classic rainbow experiment by using multiple layers of colored water. It’s a fantastic way to integrate art with science!

  1. Materials required: A tall clear jar, water, food coloring, a flashlight, and a piece of white paper.
  2. Create colored layers: Fill the jar halfway with water. Add a few drops of food coloring (red, blue, yellow, etc.) and mix gently to create colored water. You can create layers by carefully pouring the colored water into the jar. Start with the heaviest color at the bottom (like blue), then add lighter colors like yellow or red on top.
  3. Dark environment: Make sure the room is dark, just like in previous examples.
  4. Light it up: Shine the flashlight through the jar from the side and observe the colors mixing together.
  5. Observe the rainbow: You may not see a traditional rainbow, but you’ll notice how the colors blend and create a beautiful effect!
  6. Explore: Discuss how different colors combine and the science behind light and color mixing.

Notes and Variations

  • Experiment with different colors and amounts of water to create your own rainbow combinations.
  • Use this opportunity to discuss the color wheel and primary versus secondary colors.

By trying out these engaging examples of making a rainbow with a glass of water and a flashlight, kids will not only learn about light and color but also have a great time experimenting and discovering the wonders of science in an interactive way!