Learn about Earth's closest star with our sun kid science experiments. Using just a few simple items, you can use the sun to make rainbows, produce a picture and more!
Sun Kid Science Experiments: Indoors
Make a Rainbow
Make a rainbow with just a few things from around the house! This simple, hands-on activity is perfect for young children.
Here's what you Need:
A sunny day
White piece of paper
A glass of water
Instructions
Find a sunny spot in the house near a window.
Carefully carry the glass of water and white paper to your sunny spot.
Have an adult hold the glass of water above the paper.
Watch as light passes through the glass of water and forms a rainbow on your paper!
CD Suncatcher
This is a fun way to test the sun and recycle cd's and dvd's.
Necessary Items:
A sunny day
2 CD's (or DVD's)
Strong glue
String
Instructions:
Get your two CD's. Make sure the shiny side (without writing) is facing outward.
Glue the two CD's together.
Loop string through center hole and tie a knot.
Hang your CD suncatcher near a window or sunny spot.
Watch it catch the sun!
Sun Kid Science Experiments: Outdoors
Light or Dark?
It's best to wear light colors on hot, sunny days. Why? Experiment with light, heat and ice to find out!
Here's what you Need:
A sunny day
1 piece of black heavy cardstock
1 piece of white heavy cardstock
2 ice cubes
Instructions:
Take all of your materials to a sunny spot outside.
Place each piece of cardstock on a flat surface.
Put an ice cube on each piece of paper.
Watch and see which ice cube melts the fastest.
Explanation:
Why did the ice on the black paper melt first? Light surfaces reflect more light and stay cooler. Dark surfaces, on the other hand, absorb more light and collect heat. More heat from the black paper made the ice melted faster.
Solar Energy Picture
Challenge your imagination and the power of the sun! Use items from around the house or in your backyard.
Necessary Items
An adult to help
A sunny day
Water
Light sensitive piece of printing paper
Large flat pan
Glass baking dish
Thick piece of cardboard
Scissors
Flat items to make your print (leaves, blades of grass, flowers, keys, ruler, paperclip, etc.)
Set-Up
With an adult, cut a piece of cardboard slightly larger than the printing paper.
Decide what items to make your print from.
Gather the items and decide how to arrange them. Practice on the piece of cardboard.
Now that you know what you want your picture to look like, take all items off the cardboard. Set aside.
Pour water in the flat pan. (Make sure the pan is large enough to hold the printing paper. This will be used to develop your picture.) Set aside.
Print!
Remove one sheet of light sensitive paper.
Lay the paper on top of the piece of cardboard.
Arrange your objects on the paper, like you practiced.
Set the glass baking dish on top of the paper.
Leave the items stacked on top of each other. With an adult's help, carefully carry them to a bright, sunny spot.
Let them sit in the sun for approximately 5 minutes. (For best results, follow the instructions on your light sensitive printing paper.)
Remove the paper. Soak in water for 1-2 minutes. (Check the printing paper instructions for best results.)
This is a fun way to test the sun and recycle cd's and dvd's. 
It's best to wear light colors on hot, sunny days. Why? Experiment with light, heat and ice to find out!
Challenge your imagination and the power of the sun! Use items from around the house or in your backyard.