Science Nook

DIY Rainbow Light Show 🌈

Sometimes the best adventures are painted with light and laughter! This simple craft turns a flashlight and a cardboard tube into a dazzling rainbow projector.

You’ll need:
Empty cardboard tubes (toilet paper or paper towel rolls)
Cling film or plastic wrap
Rubber bands or tape
Permanent markers (bright colors)
Scissors
Flashlight or phone light
Craft stick or pencil (optional, for a handle)
A dark or dimly lit room

How to make it:

Cut the film lens
Cut a small square of cling film big enough to cover one end of the tube, with a little extra around the edges.

Color your rainbow
Use permanent markers to draw bold rainbow designs on the film—stripes, swirls, or colorful dots all work great.

Attach to the tube
Stretch the colored film over one end of the cardboard tube and secure it tightly with a rubber band or tape, making sure it’s smooth and taut.

Shine the light
In a dark room, shine your flashlight or phone light through the open end of the tube, sending the light through the colored film.

Put on the show
Gently rotate the tube or move the light to make dancing rainbow patterns on the walls and ceiling.

Add a handle (optional)
Tape or slide a craft stick or pencil into the bottom of the tube to make it easier for little hands to hold and spin.

Let your kids explore their colors and watch the rainbows dance around the room. It’s a delightful way to play with light, creativity, and cozy quality time-mess‑free and full of magic.