The Disappearing Pencil Illusion
Explore how light bends when it travels between air and water. Best for ages 5+ with an adult nearby.
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🛡️ Safety first: adult supervision is recommended. Use only the listed everyday materials and never taste experiment materials.
Materials Used
Clear glassWaterPencil
Step-by-Step
1
✏️ Look at the pencil
Hold a pencil upright in front of you and notice its straight shape.
2
🥛 Fill a glass
Place the pencil behind a clear glass. Slowly fill the glass with water while watching the pencil through the side.
3
👁️ Change your view
Look from a slightly different angle. The pencil may appear bent or shifted at the water line.
4
💡 Explain what you see
Light changes direction as it moves between air, glass and water. This is called refraction. Empty the glass carefully when finished.