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Light Experiments For Kids (Free Light Worksheets)

BySarah McClelland Updated on

Explore the science of light energy with kids! Learn about what light is with a simple definition, and everyday examples of light energy. Grab the free printable light worksheets below, and set up these fun and hands on light experiments for kids!

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What Is Light?

Here is a simple definition of light energy for kids:

Light energy is a type of electromagnetic radiation that we can see. It travels in waves and can move through empty space. It comes from sources like the Sun, light bulbs, and flashlights. Light energy helps us see things around us and gives off heat. When light hits an object, it can be reflected (bounced back), absorbed (soaked up), or transmitted (passed through).

Free Printable Light Energy Worksheets

Grab the free printable light worksheet pack [here].

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Fun Light Experiments For Kids

Extend the learning with hands-on light science for kids! There are many great ideas for investigating the properties of light.

Recommended Grade Level: 1-3rd grades

Color Wheel Spinner

Famous scientist Isaac Newton discovered that light is made up of many colors. Learn more by making a spinning color wheel! Can you make white light from all the different colors?

Does Light Pass Through?

Use flashlights to shine light through everyday objects and discuss whether the materials are transparent, translucent, or opaque. Grab the free printable worksheet!

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Changing Shadows

Explore how shadows change at different times of the day with this fun outdoor activity.

Drawing Shadows

Observe and draw the shadows of a variety of everyday objects. Experiment with how changing the angle of the light source changes the shadow.

Glow Stick Chemistry

Place glow sticks in different temperatures (the freezer, warm water etc.) and observe how the brightness changes.

Glowing Spinach

Transform ordinary spinach that you eat into a glowing green mixture under ultraviolet light! Explore the phenomenon of fluorescence. A fun light experiment for older year groups.

Kaleidoscope

Create a kaleidoscope and observe the patterns formed by reflected light.

Light Through Different Liquids

Shine a flashlight through different liquids (water, oil, syrup etc.) to explore how light bends (refraction).

Macro Refraction

In this fun experiment, you’ll make “lenses” using water droplets to bend light and change how things look.

Make Rainbows

Explore light and refraction when you make rainbows using a variety of simple supplies including a prism – awesome hands-on science for kids of all ages.

Mirror Reflections

Set up a simple mirror activity for preschool and kindergarten science play and explore light and reflections through hands-on play.

For older students, Investigate how angles and surfaces affect the reflection of light. Set up experiments with mirrors at different angles and observe the angle of reflection.

Pinhole Camera

Create a simple pinhole camera and observe the inverted image formed inside the box. Observe how light travels in straight lines.

Potato Battery

Create a simple electrical circuit to power a light bulb.

Shadow Puppets

Make simple animal shadow puppets and learn about the science of shadows.

Solar Oven

Use a pizza box to create a solar oven and cook s’mores, as a fun way to explore solar energy and absorption.

Spectroscope

Create your own DIY spectroscope from a few simple supplies and make a rainbow from visible light for a fun physics project for kids.

Sundial

Set up a sundial outside and observe how the shadow moves throughout the day.

Sun Prints

Place objects on construction paper and leave them in sunlight to create sun prints.

Water Refraction

Why does the image appear reversed? Have fun with a hands-on demonstration of what happens when light bends!

Refraction vs Reflection

Consolidate the learning with the printable activity below!

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More Physical Science Activities

Here are a few more science experiments similar to light science that focus on other fundamental physical science concepts. All are engaging, educational and budget-friendly!

💡Groudhog Day is also a fun time of year to dive into light science or light energy projects!

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Science Experiments By Age Group

We’ve put together a few separate resources for different age groups, but remember that many experiments will cross over and can be re-tried at several different age levels. Younger kiddos can enjoy the simplicity and hands-on fun. At the same time, you can talk back and forth about what is happening.

As kiddos get older, they can bring more complexity to the experiments, including using the scientific method, developing hypotheses, exploring variables, creating different tests, and writing conclusions from analyzing data.

Helpful Science Resources To Get You Started

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident yourself when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.

Printable Science Projects For Kids

If you’re looking to grab all of our printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets and bonuses like a STEAM Project pack, our Science Project Pack is what you need! Over 300+ Pages!

  • 90+ classic science activities with journal pages, supply lists, set up and process, and science information. NEW! Activity-specific observation pages!
  • Best science practices posters and our original science method process folders for extra alternatives!
  • Be a Collector activities pack introduces kids to the world of making collections through the eyes of a scientist. What will they collect first?
  • Know the Words Science vocabulary pack includes flashcards, crosswords, and word searches that illuminate keywords in the experiments!
  • My science journal writing prompts explore what it means to be a scientist!!
  • Bonus STEAM Project Pack: Art meets science with doable projects!
  • Bonus Quick Grab Packs for Biology, Earth Science, Chemistry, and Physics
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