3 Fun DIY Light Experiments For Kids To Try At Home

Light is everywhere, from the sun in the sky to the lamps in our living rooms. But did you know there’s more to light than just helping us see? Light can bounce, bend, and even split into rainbows. Once you start looking at how light works, it becomes way cooler than you’d expect!

Whether you’re watching shadows change shapes or noticing how a straw looks “broken” in a glass of water, light is doing some pretty fun tricks right before your eyes. And guess what? You can explore these cool tricks right at home with a few simple items. These fun experiments will show just how amazing light really is and how fun science can be, even for Primary 1 and 2 students.

Why try light experiments at home?

Hands-on experiments are one of the best ways to understand how things work. When kids get to see light bend or reflect in real life, they start asking questions, and that’s the beginning of great science learning! It also gives children a chance to practise observation skills, think critically, and make their own discoveries.

Even though science as a subject officially starts in Primary 3 in Singapore, Primary 1 science activities like these can get younger kids curious and excited about how the world works. At Heuristics Science, we believe that science should be fun and interactive, even from a young age. That’s why we offer the Junior Explorers Lab for P1 and P2 students!

Experiment 1: Bending light with water

What you need:

• A clear glass or plastic cup

• Water

• A piece of white paper

• A marker

Steps:

1. Draw a big arrow on the white paper and place it behind the empty glass.

2. Look through the glass at the arrow. You’ll see it just as it is.

3. Now fill the glass with water and look at the arrow again – it looks like it flipped direction!

What’s happening?

This happens because of refraction, which is how light bends when it moves from one material to another (like air to water). The bending of light makes the arrow appear reversed. It’s a simple trick, but it’s a great way to learn how light doesn’t always travel in straight lines.

Experiment 2: Making a rainbow

What you need:

• A clear glass of water

• A piece of white paper

• A sunny day

• A small mirror

Steps:

1. Fill the glass with water and place the mirror inside it, tilted slightly.

2. Position the glass in direct sunlight so that light hits the mirror.

3. Hold the piece of paper above the mirror, and you should see a rainbow appear!

What’s happening?

Light looks white, but it’s actually made up of many colours. When sunlight passes through the water and bounces off the mirror, it splits into different colours, just like how rainbows form after it rains! This experiment is a fun way to explore what makes up sunlight and gets kids super excited about natural light phenomena.

Experiment 3: Shadow play with torches

What you need:

• A torchlight

• A few small toys (like LEGO figures)

• A white wall or a piece of white cardboard

Steps:

1. In a dim room, shine the torch at a toy to cast a shadow on the wall.

2. Move the torch closer and further away to see how the shadow changes size.

3. Try placing toys in different positions to see how their shapes affect the shadows.

What’s happening?

Light travels in straight lines and can’t pass through solid objects. That’s why shadows form! By experimenting with shadow size and shape, kids can learn how the position and distance of a light source affect what we see. It’s a great way to start thinking about how we use light every day, from reading books at night to seeing ourselves in the mirror.

Building curiosity at a young age

Doing science activities at home helps kids develop curiosity and confidence. It’s not about getting the “right” answer. Instead, it’s about asking, “Why did that happen?” and then finding out more. Even simple experiments like these can help spark a love for science.

The impact of early science tuition on lifelong learning can’t be underestimated. When kids explore science concepts in a fun and engaging way from an early age, it builds a strong foundation. They learn to ask questions, investigate, and, most importantly, enjoy the process of discovering something new.

Parents can help by turning everyday moments into learning opportunities. Cooking, playing outside, and even bath time can become mini science lessons. And when kids are ready for more structured learning, science tuition can help guide them with techniques and strategies to do well in school.

Conclusion

Light isn’t just something we switch on and off; it’s full of surprises! Whether it’s bending through water, splitting into rainbows, or casting interesting shadows, there’s so much fun to be had exploring it. These experiments are a great way to introduce science in a fun and interactive way that even younger kids can enjoy.

At Heuristics Science, we believe that science should be exciting and accessible to all students, whether they’re just starting out in Primary 1 or preparing for their PSLE. That’s why we offer science tuition for both primary and secondary school students in Singapore, using our specialised TCR Answering Technique, guided practice, and hands-on practical applications to help every child learn with confidence and curiosity.