This cheeky elf has switched around Santa's signs. Can you find a way to quickly reverse the arrows before Santa flies by?
This science activity is a fun way to learn about refraction. Did you know that light bends as it moves from one material to another with a different density?
This is unusual as normally light travels in straight lines, which we demonstrated with a light maze.
You'll need:
A tall glass of water
Paper or my handy template
Pen
Instructions
Draw an arrow on a piece of paper.
Place the glass of water in front of the arrow and look at the arrow through the glass. The image should be reversed.
Why does this happen?
The light reaching your eyes from the arrow is refracted ( bent ) through the glass of water. The light slows down as it enters the glass and speeds up again as it leaves. The light rays cross over after they leave the glass, which means you see the image in reverse.
Extension Tasks
Move the glass closer to the paper and then further away again. What happens?
Try different images and words to investigate how the writing or image on the card changes when you look through the glass of water.
This activity is a great refraction demonstration and simple science activity too!
If you like this activity, you'll love my other elf tricks.
Don't forget to check out my other Christmas science experiments and investigations too!
Make this activity even easier with my free template!
Grab the instruction sheet too!
Last Updated on December 6, 2022 by Emma Vanstone
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