Ever noticed how objects look different when you see them in water? It is all to do with how light travels from air into water, the light slows down and bends slightly. This bending is called refraction. Demonstrate how refraction of light occurs in water with this simple water refraction experiment. All you need are a few simple supplies, and our printable project!
Explore Water Refraction For Physics
Let’s keep it basic for our junior scientists. Physics is all about energy and matter and the relationship they share with one another. Like all sciences, physics is about solving problems and figuring out why things do what they do. Kids are great for questioning everything!
In our physics activities, you will learn a little about static electricity, Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion, simple machines, buoyancy, density, and more! All with easy household supplies!
Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!
Learn about the refraction of light in water with this hands-on physics experiment below.
Water Refraction Experiment
Why not pair this simple refraction experiment with other fun water experiments!
Supplies:
- Printable templates (see below)
- Glass
- Water
- Scissors
Instructions:
STEP 1: Print out the template designs and cut them out.
STEP 2: Fill a clear glass to the top with water.
STEP 3: Place each design behind the glass of water and stand back a bit to look at it through the glass. What can you see?
STEP 4: Try moving the designs closer to the glass and then further away. Record what you see.
Refraction Of Light In Water
Refraction of light in water is when light changes direction as it passes from air into water. When light enters water at an angle, it slows down and bends. This bending of light is called refraction.
This is why objects in water can appear distorted or appear to be in a different place than they really are.
The amount of refraction depends on the angle at which the light enters the water and the difference in the density of air and water. Learn more about density.
Refraction of light in water is important in many fields, including underwater photography and the design of eyeglasses and cameras.
This simple water refraction experiment below shows just how light refracts in water. You may not believe your eyes!
More Fun Light Activities
Make a color wheel spinner and demonstrate how you can make white light from different colors.
Explore refraction of light when you make rainbows using a variety of simple supplies.
Set up a simple mirror activity for preschool science.
Learn about the color wheel with our printable color wheel worksheets.
Make “lenses” using water droplets to bend light and change how things look.
Make a DIY spectroscope and split visible light into the colors of the spectrum.
Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- What Is A Scientist
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of the printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets, our Science Project Pack is what you need!
