Virtual STEAM Ahead

Tissue Paper Rainbow

Traditionally, rainbows have been viewed as symbols of hope. What comes after a storm? A rainbow!

This spring, people have enjoyed seeing pictures of rainbows in the windows and yards of many houses.  Have you noticed any during walks around your neighborhood?

In nature, a rainbow is a combination of light and water.  When stronger sunlight appears after a storm, the increased light shines through any rain drops still in the air.  This light is bent and reflected inside the rain drops and as the light exits, it separates into wavelengths.  Each wavelength is a different color:  red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.  And each wavelength bends at a different angle.  This is why rainbows appear as arches and why the colors are always in the same order (for example, red light always bends at the same angle but that is different from how orange light bends).  For us to see a rainbow, the combination of weather conditions must be just right.  So, when we do see a rainbow, we feel lucky!

 Let’s create our own version of a rainbow:

All you'll need for this project is tissue paper, a paint brush and water.

Directions:

• Cut or tear tissue paper to desired shapes or sizes. 
• Place each piece of tissue on the window and paint over with water.  The tissue paper will adhere to a glass window.
• If the tissue pieces start to release from the window once dry, just repaint with water or use tiny pieces of tape on rehang.

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