Activity 1: Effects of Light                                                 

Optics / Photo

Target group: Children of 3 to 6 years in kindergarten

Aim: Discover that light can create images

Where: Group area, if photo paper is used also an area which can be completely darkened ("photo laboratory", darkroom).

How long?

Approx. ½ hour to 1 hour

What? Fixation of items on paper; production of so-called photogrammes.

Preparation

Materials: very photo-sensitive paper or photo paper (PE paper) and a tub of developer. The latter is sealed in a foil wrapping and may be used only in the darkroom.

Steps:

1.      Collect items which the children find interesting (e.g. leaves of one or several different trees).

2.      Arrange the items on the paper and expose them to the effect of the light.

3.      Remove the items and look at the images.

4.   Continuation: Compare the effect with that which the sun has on our skin; Guessing game with several children: From which tree does this leaf come? Or: Which item is this?

Scientific explanation: Photo paper contains a special chemical, which changes as soon as it is exposed to light. If you put the paper

into a tub of developer, all areas that have been exposed to light turn black.

Possible variation: Afterwards the children can work in the darkroom with the photo paper:

1.  Open photo paper.

2.  Arrange items.

3.  Briefly switch on the light for approximately 2 to 3 seconds.

4.  Put the paper into the developer.

5.  A negative image of the item appears.

Note!

The work with real photo paper is particularly suitable for older children. By using photo paper the children can learn how to work in the darkroom. The developer is considered harmless. Nevertheless extreme caution should prevail and be careful not to spill any developer.

Quelle:

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