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Water Refraction Science Experiment
This water refraction science experiment has such a "wow factor" and is so quick and easy I can't believe my kids and I haven't done it before. It would fit right in with our DIY science camp series , too. Best of all, there is almost no set up, but once I showed it to the kids, they experimented on their own and debated the reasons for the results. You have the option of setting up the science experiment as we did, or doing it right now with the glass of water sitting next to you!
What you need:
- Jar or glass
- A paper with a design on it. If you wish, you can download and print our printable . It is two pages and includes the colored bars and two arrows.
Instructions:
Place a jar or glass about 6 inches in front of the colored bars or arrows. Pour in the water. What happens?
Watch the video!
To make it more fun:
Ask your kids to keep their eyes on the bars/arrows as you slowly pour the water into the jar.
I told my kids I had a magic liquid. I'm pretty sure my 6 year old believed me, but my 10 year old unconvincingly said, "It's water, mom." But then after I performed the experiment, he said, "Now try it with water." Ha! So I guess I did fool him.
Explorations:
- Does it make a difference how close the water is to the paper?
- Does it make a difference if the jar is square or round? What about the size of the jar or glass?
- Draw a diagram of what you think is happening to the light rays. (See explanation below)
- Super nerdy kids ( I say that with love ) can learn more about refraction of light here .
The science behind the water refraction experiment:
Refraction is the bending of light. In this case, light traveled from the air, through the front of the glass jar, through the water, through the back of the glass jar, and then back through the air, before hitting the picture. Whenever light passes from one medium into another, it refracts.
In addition, the water acts as a magnifying glass, which bends the light toward the center. The light comes together at the focal point and beyond the focal point the image looks reversed because the light that was on the right is now on the left, and vice versa. Clear as mud? ( Note: I am not a science teacher and if you would like to correct or add to my explanation in the comments, I welcome it! Update: someone did! Read the comments for more scientific explanation of the refraction phenomena. )
Want another cool and magical water experiment?
- Find out how to make a coin jump from a bottle .
- Or find more fun indoor water activities for kids .
Reader Interactions
Maria Dermitzaki says
February 12, 2017 at 3:25 pm
I would like to receive mails
February 13, 2017 at 9:44 am
You can sign up here: https://www.whatdowedoallday.com/newsletter-sign
Eliana Nevarez says
February 04, 2018 at 10:59 pm
we filled the glass half with water and put the arrow behind the glass and when we moved the arrow to a particular distance behind the glass it makes the arrow look like its going the other way. When light passes from one material to another, it can bend or refract. In the third experiment before hitting the arrow light traveled from the air, through the glass, through the water, through the back of the glass, and then back through the air. Anytime that light passes from one thing into another, it refracts. When light went through the glass the light bent toward the center. That’s where the light all came together this is called the focal point, but beyond the focal point the image reversed because the light rays that were bent pass each other and the light that was on the right side is now on the left and the left on the right and that is what makes the arrow looks reversed.
Sauli Jämsä says
March 30, 2020 at 7:48 am
You should be talking about light traveling FROM the picture TO your eyes.
June 03, 2020 at 9:41 am
Light doesn't travel, it's just waves.
September 19, 2020 at 5:54 am
What is the prinsipal for this experiment
ayushi says
May 12, 2021 at 3:16 am
prinicipal - refraction of light.
person says
February 10, 2022 at 2:15 pm
you spelt principal wrong
February 10, 2022 at 2:16 pm
ranji spelt principal wrong*
February 22, 2021 at 3:58 am
It will just be same if the glass is not round?
February 22, 2021 at 3:15 pm
Might be a fun experiment to try it and find out. 😉
Ms. Right says
January 14, 2023 at 12:04 pm
Everyone spelled it wrong. Principal = the leader of a school. Principle = theory of reasoning
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Water Refraction Experiment
Ever noticed how objects look different when you see them in water? It is all to do with how light travels from air into water, the light slows down and bends slightly. This bending is called refraction. Demonstrate how refraction of light occurs in water with this simple water refraction experiment. All you need are a few simple supplies, and our printable project!
Explore Water Refraction For Physics
Let’s keep it basic for our junior scientists. Physics is all about energy and matter and the relationship they share with one another. Like all sciences, physics is about solving problems and figuring out why things do what they do. Kids are great for questioning everything!
In our physics activities , you will learn a little about static electricity, Newton’s 3 Laws of Motion, simple machines, buoyancy, density, and more! All with easy household supplies!
Encourage your kids to make predictions, discuss observations, and re-test their ideas if they don’t get the desired results the first time. Science always includes an element of mystery that kids naturally love to figure out!
Learn about the refraction of light in water with this hands-on physics experiment below.
Why not pair this simple refraction experiment with other fun water experiments !
- Printable templates (see below)
Instructions:
STEP 1: Print out the template designs and cut them out.
STEP 2: Fill a clear glass to the top with water.
STEP 3: Place each design behind the glass of water and stand back a bit to look at it through the glass. What can you see?
STEP 4: Try moving the designs closer to the glass and then further away. Record what you see.
Refraction Of Light In Water
Refraction of light in water is when light changes direction as it passes from air into water. When light enters water at an angle, it slows down and bends. This bending of light is called refraction .
This is why objects in water can appear distorted or appear to be in a different place than they really are.
The amount of refraction depends on the angle at which the light enters the water and the difference in the density of air and water. Learn more about density.
Refraction of light in water is important in many fields, including underwater photography and the design of eyeglasses and cameras.
This simple water refraction experiment below shows just how light refracts in water. You may not believe your eyes!
Get Your FREE Printable Water Refraction Project!
More Fun Light Activities
Make a color wheel spinner and demonstrate how you can make white light from different colors.
Explore refraction of light when you make rainbows using a variety of simple supplies.
Set up a simple mirror activity for preschool science.
Learn more about the color wheel with our printable color wheel worksheets .
Explore the constellations in your own night sky with this fun constellation activity .
Make a DIY spectroscope and split visible light into the colors of the spectrum.
Helpful Science Resources
Here are a few resources to help you introduce science more effectively to your kiddos or students and feel confident when presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.
- Best Science Practices (as it relates to the scientific method)
- Science Vocabulary
- 8 Science Books for Kids
- What Is A Scientist
- Science Supplies List
- Science Tools for Kids
- Scientific Method for Kids
- Citizen Science Guide
- Join us in the Club
Printable Science Projects For Kids
If you’re looking to grab all of the printable science projects in one convenient place plus exclusive worksheets, our Science Project Pack is what you need!
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