Young Space Explorers Make Your Own Rainbow Activity

INTRODUCTION:

This activity is one of several designed to explore some of the properties of light.

Light is very important in our lives. We need it to see. The light from the Sun also provides warmth and allows plants to grow. Light is also very important in studying the objects in the night sky. We can't visit the stars, but we can use their light to study them.

MATERIALS:

You will need:

1. a garden hose attached to a faucet

INSTRUCTIONS:

OUTSIDE - DAYTIME

1. This requires a sunny day and a friend to help. Your friend should spray water into the air a few feet away from you. If possible, use a setting on the hose to create a fine mist. You should stand with your back to the Sun, with the spray of water in front of you. This works best if the Sun is not overhead but is somewhat low in the sky. You may need to move around - adjust how high the water is sprayed and where you are standing - to see the rainbow.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT:

1. Something must break the sunlight apart into the rainbow. Do you know what is doing this?