The Lawrence Hall of Science

The public science center of the University of California, Berkeley.

Activity

Make a Prism

Activity

Make a Prism

In this activity, learners will make their own prism and use a glass of water to separate sunlight into different colors. Using a piece of cardboard with a small hole and a white piece of paper, learners will direct sunlight through the prism to make a rainbow. Step-by-step instructions with photos and safety measures are include. This activity needs a sunny day. Activity guide includes a “What’s going on?” explanation and connections to relevant science concepts like slowing the speed of light & refraction, component color of white light, and how rainbows are formed in the atmosphere.

Materials List:


  • drinking glass ( or glass or plastic prism)

  • large piece of cardboard (approximately 0.4m x 0.4m)

  • scissors

  • white sheet of paper

  • pencil

  • book

  • tape

  • water

Activities

DIY Sun Science Make a PrismPDF

DIY Sun Science Construye un prismaPDF

Topics: Solar, Light & Optics

Grade Level: Grade 4 and Up

Language: Spanish, English

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Activity Time: 5 minutes