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Find out how to make this cool giant rainbow projector with only just two items! Kids will love projecting rainbows and watching them grow!
Do your kids love rainbows? I know most kids including mine are drawn to all the magical colors of the rainbow. Today I’m sharing a super fun rainbow activity you can make with kids in just about 5 minutes’ time! Don’t let the ease of this project fool you. The results are incredible considering the little effort put in! All you need are two main items to whip up a magical DIY Giant Rainbow Projector of your own!
How do you make a rainbow projector?
This projector craft uses clear acetate sheets and markers plus a light source like a flashlight or one from your phone. That’s it! All you need to do is draw a rainbow on clear sheets, cut into an arch shape and project onto any surface like a wall or ceiling. Make sure the lights are off for best vibrant results!
What are acetate plastic sheets?
These plastic sheets are often used in crafting or even used as cake collars for cake decorating to keep a cake intact! We happen to have a few sheets around from an old project and I thought ‘what would happen if I drew a rainbow on it?” Then the idea struck me to project it on a wall! You can also recycle plastic food container lids. Make sure they are washed and cleaned.
Does the type of marker you use matter to make a rainbow shadow projector?
Since plastic sheets are slippery and can wipe off inks, we recommend staying away from washable markers that can street and use alcohol-based markers like our favorte Arteza Alcohol Markers for the best and most vibrant results.
What kind of light do you use to project?
We used our phone’s built-in flashlight and it created a nice protector light. We also tried a mini flashlight and if you use a round shape, keep in mind it will project your object within that round shape as well.
DIY Giant Rainbow Projector – Materials
- Clear acetate plastic sheets
- Markers
- Light source (like your phone’s flashlight or a regular flashlight)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Color in a rainbow on your clear sheet with your markers.
- Cut out into an arch shape.
- Turn off the lights. Project the rainbow onto a surface like a wall or ceiling with your light source
- Move the light forward to make the rainbow bigger and further away from your rainbow to make it smaller.
Shadow Projector Questions to explore and ask with your kids
- What colors are the rainbow
- How do you make the rainbow larger or smaller?
- What causes an image to project?
- What is the meaning of shadow projecting?
- How do shadow projectors work in general?
Have fun creating giant rainbows!
DIY Giant Rainbow Projector
Materials
- Clear acetate plastic sheets
- Markers
- Light source (like your phone's flashlight or a regular flashlight)
Instructions
- Color in a rainbow on your clear sheet with your markers.
- Cut out into an arch shape.
- Turn off the lights. Project the rainbow onto a surface like a wall or ceiling with your light source
- Move the light forward to make the rainbow bigger and further away from your rainbow to make it smaller.
Agnes Hsu is a mom of three and has been inspiring parents and kids to get creative with easy activities and family friendly recipes for over 10 years. She shares her love for creative play and kids food to her 2MM+ followers online. Agnes' commitment to playful learning and kindness has not only raised funds for charity but also earned features in prestigious nationwide publications.