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    Home » Early Years Science » Preschool Science » Fun Sparks: A little bit of Sparkle

    Fun Sparks: A little bit of Sparkle

    December 8, 2011 By Emma Vanstone 5 Comments

    Welcome back to Fun Sparks! This week we have another Christmas-themed post!

    Today we are going to look at shiny and matte surfaces and how we can tell the difference. A really simple activity that is perfect for this time of year!

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

    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
    Fun Sparks A little bit of sparkle
    Sparkly and dull things!

    Method
    Mix the objects up on a tray and create two piles…shiny and dull. Shine the 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 preschool sorting activity, but the importance of shiny and matt surfaces links into thermal radiation and absorption of heat later on in teaching, and we will do a practical in the new year to look at this!

    Fun Sparks
    Noah has a sort out!

    So have a go and Have fun!

    Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Emma Vanstone

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    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. Kelly

      December 08, 2011 at 12:54 pm

      Hi Kerry, very happy for you to link our parachute to your parachute investigation 🙂 sounds like it will be interesting and fun! Warm wishes, Kelly

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        December 08, 2011 at 8:44 pm

        great…will let you know when I do it! 🙂

        Reply
    2. maggy,red ted art

      December 14, 2011 at 1:50 pm

      I have to say, I really do love how you explore the world with your little ones! Such lovely experiments for them to get excited about!

      Thank you for linking to Kids Get Crafty.

      Maggy

      Reply
      • ScienceSparks

        December 14, 2011 at 9:38 pm

        Thanks Maggy!

        Reply

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