Hello, young scientists! (And their parents.)
Today, I’m sharing a science experiment that blurs the lines between magic and the marvels of physics.
You’ll turn a simple drawing into a captivating optical illusion with just a glass of water.
This activity, perfect for kids and adults alike, dives into the phenomenon of light refraction.
It’s so straightforward yet so astonishing, it’ll have everyone begging for an encore.
Let’s explore how to bend light to our will, shall we?
What You’ll Need
- A piece of paper
- A marker
- A clear glass
- Water
Steps to Unveil the Magic
- Create Your Artwork: Grab your sheet of paper and draw two large arrows on it. Position one near the top and the other near the bottom, making sure both arrows point in the same direction. This is where your artistic flair meets science!
- Prepare the Glass: Fill your clear glass with water. This isn’t just any glass of water; it’s about to become a magical tool in our experiment.
- The Reveal: Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the filled glass. Now, take a moment and look through the glass of water at your arrows. Prepare to be amazed as you witness the direction of the arrows seemingly change right before your eyes!
The Science Behind the “Magic”
What you’re witnessing is the phenomenon known as light refraction.
This occurs when light passes from one medium to another, altering its speed and direction. In our experiment, light travels from the paper (through air) into the glass and water, then back into the air before finally reaching our eyes. Because light travels fastest through air, slower through water, and even slower through glass, it bends at each transition between these mediums.
The bending of light, or refraction, causes the light paths to cross, flipping the image of the arrows as viewed through the water-filled glass. It’s a brilliant demonstration of how the speed of light changes in different materials and the visual effects those changes can produce.
Video
For visual learners, here’s a video that dives into the details of this fun experiment:
Similar Experiments
100 Easy Science Experiments Your Kids Can Do At Home
This simple experiment is not only a fun party trick; it’s a window into understanding the basic principles of physics and the behavior of light.
It’s a perfect way to spark curiosity in young minds and introduce them to the wonders of science in the most enchanting way possible.
So, gather your materials, draw your arrows, and let the light-bending magic begin.
Happy experimenting,
Calie
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
