The Playful Light & Mysterious Shadow

Did you know we can only see when there is light? In this box, we’ll examine why you can see through some things and not others. We’ll also explore the mysterious shadow that keeps appearing everywhere around us.

Let the sun in with your very own suncatcher, watch a firefly glow in your bedroom and when night comes, it’s time to put on a show. You’ll also get materials to make your own DIY black light!

You’ll receive a Playbook introducing light and shadow. You’ll also get the materials and ingredients you need to complete 3 to 4 activities.

1 : DIY Suncatcher
Let the sun in with your very own suncatcher. On a hot, sunny day you might even see it cast colorful shadows on the floor. An easy way to observe how light only comes in through the transparent and translucent surfaces. Stuff you need from home: Just a pair of scissors and a pencil.

2 : It’s Showtime!
It’s time for some theatrics. Gather the family for a night in at your very own theatre. Show off your new found friend, the mysterious shadow! Stuff you need from home: A torchlight, a dark room and an empty wall.

3 : Watch It Glow
Unlike us, some insects and animals produce their own light. Grab your glow sticks and glow-in-the-dark paint and make your own bioluminescent creature. For the ultimate glow, we’ve thrown in a set of black light filters. Stuff you need from home: Smartphone with LED flash, cellophane tape and scissors.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Put on lenses and see the difference between transparent, translucent and opaque materials. Use a bat signal light to see if shadows grow bigger or smaller when they're closer or farther from the source of light.

Suitable for kids ages 4 and up.