Build a Translucent Suncatcher
Overview
Build a translucent suncatcher to learn about light and the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque objects.
Introduction
We are going to learn about light and the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque objects. We will make a DIY Suncatcher which is a good example of a translucent object.
Supplies
To make this, you will need:
A plastic lid
White glue
Food coloring
A paperclip (unbent) or toothpick
Glitter (optional)
Flashlight
Assembly
- The first thing you’re going to do is pour a little bit of glue into your plastic lid. It’s important not to use too much glue or else the sun catcher will not be as translucent as it needs to be, and it will take a long time to dry.
- Next you’re going to add just a few drops of food coloring to the glue.
- Use a paper clip to gently swirl the colors around. You don’t need to swirl too much because the colors will spread as the glue dries.
- Add just a little bit of glitter on top.
- Let the whole thing dry for a few days.
- After 3-4 days you should be able to peel your sun catcher off the lid. You can punch a hole in the top and tie a ribbon through so you can hang it in the window!
Conclusion
- How can we tell our suncatcher is translucent and not opaque or transparent? An opaque object would be something like a plate. When a flashlight shines behind it, you cannot see the light at all.
- A transparent object would be something a clear drinking glass. When a flashlight shines behind it, you can see the light very clearly!
- The suncatcher is somewhere in between opaque and transparent, which is what we call translucent. When light shines through it, you can see some light, which gives it a nice glow.
- Add your translucent suncatcher to a bright, sunny window so that it catches the light and makes a beautiful, colorful decoration.