Enlightened!

In September, we visited the West Valley and Cambrian Branch Libraries with one mission– to dazzle our participants with STEM experiments based entirely on light, and how it interacts with our vision. This month’s lab aimed to set our students’ curiosity aglow with three unique activities that combined UV light, colors, and chemistry.

We started the lab with cyanotype paper, before moving on to the construction of kaleidoscopes. With cyanotype paper, we combined UV light and chemistry to make personalized prints on the light-sensitive paper, enabling participants to create unique patterns with nothing but sunlight. Then, we used cardboard rolls, Mylar sheets, and sharpies to help students construct DIY kaleidoscopes, using basic, everyday materials to create a world of color!

Finally, we wrapped up the lab with colorful bubbles, where by using some precise engineering and structuring, participants were able to interact with several vibrantly-colored bubbles, filling the workshop with floating spheres of fun! We had a great time at this lab filled with color and whimsy, and we look forward to encouraging more interest in STEAM in our future workshops!