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You will need:
- Clear ornament (Glass or plastic)
- Aluminum foil
- Cardboard tube
- Wire (I used 22 gauge wire)
- Small push LED light (optional)
- Scissors
- Real light bulb to examine and discuss components (clear works best because it is easier to the filament and support wires inside)
We discussed the basic components of a light bulb in preschool terms:
- The filament (heats up and glows when hot)
- Support Wires (supports filament)
- Glass Bulb
- Inert Gas (prevents light bulb from bursting with the heat)
- Base with threads to screw into the light fixture
Estimate what size you need to make the filament/support wire and cut it to size. You can use one wire and bend it to simulate both. I found that easier than cutting separate wires. We originally tried to use a pipe cleaner which was easier for our preschoolers to manipulate, but it was too bulky inside of the ornament and lost the shape. After you have shaped the wire, remove the cap from the ornament and insert it inside. Pull the ends of the wire through the cap and put it back on. Trim the ends or wrap them around the cap. Cut (or have your preschooler cut) the cardboard (TP roll size) tube in half. Have your preschooler wrap the foil around the tube, tucking the insides into the tube to make the base. Have your preschooler set the ornament light bulb model into the base. Turn on the push LED light (if using) and place the light bulb model in the base on top. Have your preschoolers identify the parts of the light bulb model.
If you don’t have an LED push light, you could try using a flashlight underneath while holding it up (being careful not to drop the ornament). We had a lot of fun examining light bulbs and making our own model. Have you explored lights with your children or students? If you haven’t, there are a lot of wonderful FREE educational lesson plans from the Playful Preschool team.
Matching ABCs Lights Activity by Mom Inspired Life
abc Christmas Lights by Powerful Mothering
Making Books: Colored Lights by Growing Book by Book
5+ Christmas Lights Math Activities for Preschoolers by LIfe Over C’s
Christmas Lights Activities for Preschool: Pony Bead Counting Sticks by The Preschool Toolbox
Lights on the Tree Sensory Play by Fun-A-Day!
Scented Fingerprint Christmas Lights by Learning 2 Walk
Make a Light Bulb Model by Capri + 3
How to Make Shadow Puppets: Play and Learn with Lights by The Educators’ Spin On It
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Cool! "Kid Congeniality" will have to try this on Christmas Break!
Hello meech812.
I hope "Kid Congeniality" enjoys this project and has a wonderful Christmas break too!
: 0 ) Theresa
My son would love this. I really need to get better at doing more science exploration with him. Thanks for the encouragement.
Really cool idea! I'm sure kids would love to do this.
Hello Growing Book by Book.
I hope you enjoy trying this (or another science project) with your son.
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Tricia.
: 0 ) Theresa
What a neat science activity for kids!
Wonderful experiment! Those kids will go far!
What a neat model!
Thank you Maryanne!
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Ali.
I think every parent hopes their children will learn as much as they can (and I'm not exception) : 0 )
: 0 ) Theresa
Thank you Amanda.
: 0 ) Theresa
Wow, this is great! I'm always encouraging my daughter to get involved in science projects. I'll have to try this one with her!
Hi MommyAtoZblog.
I hope your daughter enjoys it.
: 0 ) Theresa
Great science experiment for ANY time of the year! So much learning and exploration going on here. 🙂
Thank you Preschool Toolbox.
As long as you have a clear ornament, it can be done any time of the year. Those are great to have on hand anyway for all sorts of projects.
: 0 ) Theresa
Such a cool project!Love that I can do this anytime of the year!
Thank you Natasha.
Yes, this project can be done any time as long as you have a clear ornament at hand.
: 0 ) Theresa