PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes | AGE: 1 - 3 years old
MATERIALS:
Empty Pringles tube + lid
Black marker
Thin flashlight, preferably with a single light bulb
INSTRUCTIONS:
Use the black marker to draw a simple shape, such as a star or an airplane, on the lid of the Pringles tube.
Turn on the flashlight and place it inside the tube, positioning the lightbulb towards the tube's opening.
Secure the lid on top of the tube.
Go to a completely dark room and observe the shape you drew on the lid as it is projected and reflected on the wall.
DEVELOPMENT AREAS:
FINE MOTOR SKILLS: Drawing the simple shape on the lid of the tube with a black marker involves precise hand movements and fine motor skills.
CREATIVITY: Drawing and choosing the shape to be projected encourage the child to use their imagination and express their creativity.
PROBLEM-SOLVING: Assembling the flashlight and Pringles tube to create the projector involves problem-solving and spatial awareness.
SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY: Observing the shape being projected on the wall introduces the child to basic principles of light and how it travels.
FOCUS AND ATTENTION: The activity requires the child to focus on the drawing, assembly, and observing the projected shape, promoting attention to detail.
EXPLORATION OF LIGHT AND SHADOWS: The child learns about light, shadows, and how shapes can be projected onto surfaces, fostering curiosity about the natural world.
CAUSE AND EFFECT: The child explores cause and effect relationships, understanding that the shape they drew is projected through the flashlight's light.
SENSORY EXPERIENCE: Observing the shape in a fully dark room provides a unique sensory experience, stimulating the child's visual senses.
SELF-CONFIDENCE: Successfully creating and using the DIY projector can boost the child's self-confidence and sense of accomplishment.
SCIENTIFIC PLAY: Engaging in this activity combines play and learning, encouraging the child to explore and experiment with simple scientific concepts.
