You will need:
- A strong torch or green spotlight
- A strong rubber band
- Green cellophane
- One red object. We used a red toy car. But you can use a tomato.
- A very dark room
- If you have a green spotlight the effect is more pronounced
Place the green cellophane over the torch and secure it with a rubber band. Alternatively, turn on your green spotlight.
NB: You could also try different torches to see the effect!
Darken the room and shine the green light on the red object.
What colour do you see when normal lights are on?
Try different coloured objects and lights. Is the effect always the same?
This science experiment works very well if you have access to a green spotlight.
BTW – If you can’t get cellophane and torches, you can also colour some sticky tape with a felt tip pen. You can then place this over a phone camera lens.
Try different pen inks – does this have the same effect as the cellophane and torch?
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Get the Unit of Work on Light & Colour here!
- What is colour addition vs subtraction?
- What is opacity, translucence & transparency?
- What is the difference between refraction & reflection?
- Explore UV light, lenses, thermochromism and more!
Includes cross-curricular teaching ideas, student quizzes, a sample marking rubric, scope & sequences & more
What is going on?
White light is comprised of all of the colours of the rainbow i.e. the light spectrum – visible light ranges in frequency from VIOLET (400nm) to RED (700nm).
Different materials absorb and reflect the different colours of light. The different colours represent different wavelengths of light. A red object is only ‘red’ when you see the red wavelength of light being reflected off it. So a red car reflects red light, while the other light wavelengths get absorbed. The green light from your torch does not have a red wavelength in it. Because the red car absorbs the green light, no light is reflected and you are left seeing a black car.
Variables to test
- Try different strength green lights on your red car.
- What happens if you shine other colours of light on the red car?
- Does the experiment still work with a red apple or any other red object?
From image formation to rainbow science, we’ve got your unit on light covered!
Get in touch with FizzicsEd to find out how we can work with your class.
Light & Colour
Years 1 to 6
Maximum 30 students
Workshop or Show (NSW & VIC)
60 or 90 minutes
Online Class Available
STEM Full Day Accelerator - Primary
Designed from real classroom experiences, this modular day helps you create consistently effective science learning that directly address the new curriculum with easily accessible and cost-effective materials.
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