Rainbows,+Color,+and+Light

==Rainbows, Color, and Light (Levels Pre-K & K)== Through experiments with prisms, mirrors, bubbles, water, sunlight, and flashlights, children bring rainbow effects into their classroom and onto the playground. The activities for this pre-K and K unit are listed below. The ones in red below are free to download once you enroll in the pilot program and receive a password. After you enroll, our Lending Library will send you a mini-kit of science materials for the unit.

To enroll in the pilot, you'll need to complete a Lending Library Agreement. Basically you tell us where to send the materials, and you agree to return the non-consumable kit materials when you are finished or to pay for them. The pilot is completely free as long as you return the non-consumable materials to the Lending Library (we pay postage). To find out more, go to the Sign Up for a Pilot page.

To learn more about the unit and the pilot activities, you can view or download "Activity Summaries and Online Pilot Background" for //Rainbows, Color, and Light// (no password needed).

After you have a password, you can **download free activities (click here)** You will need [|Adobe Acrobat Reader] on your computer to read the lessons after you download them.

Once you've started using the lessons, you can converse with Science Companion experts and other pilot teachers by using the Discussion tab on this page.

Children consider and share what they know about scientists and begin to see themselves in the role of scientists.
 * What is a Scientist? **

**Opening the Box** To set the stage for the study, children explore the materials that accompany the study and ponder how they might use the items for scientific exploration.

**Rainbow Effects: Prism** Children communicate observations and ideas as they describe rainbows, then explore how to make rainbows in the classroom using a prism and a light source.

Children participate in a variety of experiences to help them develop an initial understanding of how light affects our ability to see in color as well as in black and white.
 * Seeing Light and Color**

Children explore the process of mixing colors by experimenting with familiar art materials.
 * Mixing Colored Pigments**

Children explore colors by separating them. Children explore how motion can create the effect of blended color.
 * Finding Hidden Colors and Spinning Colors**

Children explore the primary colors of light by displaying and mixing them. They compare the results of mixing colored light with their experiences mixing colored pigments, such as paint or playdough.
 * Mixing Colored Light**

**Rainbow Effects Tub and Mirror** Children explore another way to make rainbows, this time using a tub of water, a mirror, and a light source.

Children observe changing patterns of color on the surface of a bubble using a light source to enhance the effects.
 * Rainbow Effects Bubbles **

**Rainbow Effects Outdoors** The class experiments with a water source to generate rainbows outdoors on a sunny day.

Children consider the rainbow effect they've created and try to make some generalizations about what they did and observed.
 * Rainbow Effects Recipe for Rainbows **

**Rainbows in the Sky** Children consider the link between the rainbow effects they've generated and "real" rainbows. They also look for opportunities to see a rainbow outdoors when the conditions seem right.

Children develop and test theories as they experiment with shadows and the relationship between light and shadows.
 * Exploring Light and Shadow**

Children further explore the effects of light and color by making "stained glass windows".
 * Making Colored Windows**



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