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    Home » Holiday Science » Christmas Science » A bit of Christmas Sparkle

    A bit of Christmas Sparkle

    December 3, 2012 By Emma Vanstone 11 Comments

    Today we are going to look at shiny and matte surfaces and how we can tell the difference.

    Basically shiny surfaces reflect light well and matte surfaces don’t.

    For this you will need:

    A flashlight

    Shiny items for example:

    • tinsel
    • foil wrapping paper
    • ornaments
    • metallic ribbon
    • bells
    • metallic Christmas cards
    • glittery items.

    Dull items for example:

    • felt Christmas stocking
    • flat toned wrapping paper
    • miniature Christmas wreath
    • candle
    • ornaments made of fabric
    • ribbon

    Method

    Mix the objects up on a tray and create two piles…shiny and Dull. Shine your flashlight onto each of the objects and see how well it reflects light (the light bouncing off) to see which is shiny and which is dull. It is really a very simple pre-school sorting activity, but the importance of shiny and matt surface links into thermal radiation and absorption of heat later on which we will look at later.

     

    For more Christmas ideas check out our 10 Christmas Science activities post.

    Last Updated on January 28, 2015 by Emma Vanstone

    « Learn about transparent materials with Twinkl
    Kitchen Science – Christmas Peppermint Creams »

    Safety Notice

    Science Sparks ( Wild Sparks Enterprises Ltd ) are not liable for the actions of activity of any person who uses the information in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources. Science Sparks assume no liability with regard to injuries or damage to property that may occur as a result of using the information and carrying out the practical activities contained in this resource or in any of the suggested further resources.

    These activities are designed to be carried out by children working with a parent, guardian or other appropriate adult. The adult involved is fully responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out safely.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katie

      December 03, 2012 at 4:33 pm

      This is a great, simple lesson for preschoolers! Thanks for the idea.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        December 08, 2012 at 8:13 pm

        Thank you. x

        Reply
    2. Katie

      December 03, 2012 at 4:35 pm

      Here is a very fun science and color activity I did with my kids recently called “Color explosion science and fun.” http://www.giftofcuriosity.com/2012/11/26/color-explosion-science-and-fun/

      Reply
    3. Isil

      December 03, 2012 at 10:01 pm

      Great,thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        December 08, 2012 at 8:15 pm

        Glad you like. s

        Reply
    4. The fairy and the frog

      December 04, 2012 at 8:08 pm

      what a fun way to get festive and learn science!

      Reply
    5. maggy, red ted art

      December 06, 2012 at 11:05 am

      Oooh what a wonderful Christmassy exploration!

      Reply
    6. maggy, red ted art

      December 06, 2012 at 9:01 pm

      PS Thanks for sharing on Kids Get Crafty!

      Maggy

      Reply

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