Invitation to Explore: How Light Makes a Rainbow

After reading Light Makes a Rainbow by Sharon Coan, we were inspired to look beyond the beauty of a rainbow and uncover the science behind it. This engaging read introduces children to concepts like light waves, energy, and prisms, showing that sunlight, though it appears white, is actually made up of many colors. When sunlight passes through tiny water droplets, it slows down and bends (refraction), spreads into different colors, reflects inside the droplet, and bends again as it exits, revealing the full rainbow spectrum. 

We brought this learning to life by exploring how to bend sunlight using real prisms. On two mirrored Mirrored Magnetic Sensory Circle & Deep Spot Tuff Tray Mirror, we thoughtfully arranged prisms, acrylic cubes, a translucent rainbow, ,Excellerations® Color Paddles, bowls, a three-panel folding mirror, and a rotating mirror to invite discovery from every angle. As we tilted and repositioned the prisms in natural sunlight, children watched in awe as light refracted and stretched into vibrant bands of color, uncovering the hidden rainbow within.

The additional materials acted as visual anchors, helping children connect their observations to the familiar sequence of rainbow colors, while the reflective surfaces enhanced light, movement, and perspective. This immersive invitation blended science with wonder, encouraging curiosity, experimentation, and meaningful exploration. Through hands-on discovery, children not only learned how rainbows form but also experienced the magic of light working together to create something truly extraordinary.