Color Wheel Spinner For STEM

Newton’s Color Wheel

Famous scientist, Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author who is thought of as one of the most influential mathematicians and scientists of all time. He was born in 1643 and died in 1747.

Newton is best known for his discoveries of calculus, the composition of light, the three laws of motion and universal gravitation.

Newton invented the first color wheel in the 17th Century after he discovered the visible spectrum of light. That is the wavelengths of light that can be seen with the naked eye.

Through his experiments passing light through a prism, Newton demonstrated that there were 7 colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet) that make up the visible spectrum or clear white light. We know these as the colors of the rainbow.

When Newton presented his conclusions about dividing sunlight into primary colors and mixing them back together into white light, he used a color circle.

Find out how to make your own color circle below for a simple and fun physics experiment. Create a spinning color wheel and demonstrate that white light is really a combination of 7 colors. Let’s get started!

Click here for more Newton’s Law Experiments for kids.

With everyday budget-friendly supplies, you can easily do awesome physics projects at home or in the classroom!

Free Printable Color Wheel Spinner Project!

How to Make a Color Wheel Spinner

Watch the video:

Supplies:

• Color Spinner template
• Markers
• Scissors
• Cardboard
• Glue
• Nail
• String

Instructions:

STEP 1: Print the color wheel template and color each section with markers. Use blue, purple, green, red, orange, and yellow.

STEP 2: Cut out the wheel and cut a circle of the same size out of cardboard.

STEP 3: Glue the color wheel to the cardboard.

STEP 4: Punch two holes in the middle with a small nail.

STEP 5: Insert the ends of the string (8 ft of string, folded in half) into each little hole. Pull through so each side is even, and tie the two ends together.

STEP 6: Spin the wheel toward you, while holding the ends of the string in each hand. Continue to spin until the string tightens and twists.

STEP 7: Pull your hands apart when you are ready to spin the circle. Pull harder to make it spin faster. Watch the colors blur and then seem to lighten or disappear!

How Does A Color Spinner Work?

At first you will see the colors quickly spinning. As you spin the disc faster, you will start to see the colors blending, until they completely blend together and appear white. If you aren’t seeing this happen, try spinning the disc even faster.

Spinning the disc blends all the different wavelengths of coloured light together, creating white light. The faster you move the disc, the more white light you see. This process is called colour addition.

More Fun Color Activities For Kids

Have fun with more color science experiments, including…

• Explore light and refraction when you make rainbows.
• Set up a simple mirror activity for preschool science.
• Learn more about the color wheel with our printable color wheel worksheets.
• Explore refraction of light in water with this simple demonstration.
• Separate white light into its colors with a simple DIY spectroscope.
• Take the Stroop Test for a fun color science activity.

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