DIY Spectroscope

May 20, 2024

Moms Morning Memo

Ready to uncover the hidden colors in everyday light? This week, we’re diving into a fascinating project: building your very own spectroscope. It’s an easy and educational activity that lets kids explore the spectrum of light, right from your kitchen table. Get ready for some colorful discoveries!

Activity of the Day

DIY Spectroscope

Turn simple materials into a window to the world of light.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Empty cardboard tube (toilet paper or paper towel roll)

  • A CD or DVD (old or scratched ones work great)

  • Scissors

  • Tape

  • Black construction paper

  • A small piece of aluminum foil

  • A pencil or pen

Step-by-step Process:

  1. Wrap the outside of the cardboard tube with black construction paper and secure it with tape. This helps to block out external light.

  2. Cut a small slit at one end of the tube. This will be your viewing window. Make sure it’s narrow and straight.

  3. Carefully cut a piece from the CD or DVD. You want to use the shiny side. Tape it inside the tube, angled towards the viewing slit. This will act as the diffraction grating to spread the light into a spectrum.

  4. Tape a small piece of aluminum foil over the other end of the tube. Poke a tiny hole in the center with a pencil or pen. This will allow a narrow beam of light to enter the tube.

  5. Point the foil-covered end towards a light source and look through the slit. You should see a rainbow of colors, which is the light spectrum.

💡 Inspiration

Video tutorial similar to today’s activity (Link)

Blog post similar to today’s activity (Link)

Pro tip:

Try looking at different light sources, like sunlight, incandescent bulbs, and LEDs. Observe how the spectrum changes with each source. Encourage kids to draw or describe what they see and compare the results.

Why we love this activity

Building a spectroscope lets kids see the different colors that make up white light. It’s a hands-on way to learn about light waves and how they interact with different materials. Plus, it’s a simple project that yields impressive results, sparking curiosity and a love for science.

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