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in Fall STEM Activities· STEM Activities

AMAZING BENDING PENCIL EXPERIMENT THAT’S JUST LIKE MAGIC!

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We’ve done a lot of classic science projects and a lot of quick science experiments.

This time, we thought we would combine the back to school season with the science of light refraction and complete our own bending pencil experiment. 

The bending pencil experiment is a fun light refraction science experiment for kids! Get the lesson plan and worksheet to make things easier! #scienceforkids #scienceexperiments #science #stemed

The pencil in water experiment is a lesson in light refraction. It’s a fun experiment to teach kids how light moves in waves just like sound.

You can’t see light move in waves until something blocks the light (the water) and bends the light.

This simple refraction science experiment is super simple, but there is a lot of science behind the magic.

Keep reading to learn how to put together your own bending pencil experiment.

fall stem challenge cards

You may also want to check out our extensive lists of other STEM activities and science experiments for kids!

And check out this list of fall science experiments for kindergarten!

BENDING PENCIL EXPERIMENT LESSON PLAN

Want to turn the bending pencil experiment into a complete lesson? Just add these elements to your science time:

Do you know the bending pencil experiment explanation? It's a fun lesson in light refraction for kids! #scienceforkids #jarringscience #stemed #stemactivities #scienceexperiments

Experiment Variations

Any science experiment should include variations on the “right” answer.

For the refraction science experiment, you might try sticking the pencil in other types of liquids to see if they also bend the light.

Try using syrup, oil, or milk for the experiment.

You can also test the activity with other types of materials. Can you get a pen to bend? What about something that is already bent? Can you make it appear straight?

Science Explanation

Before or after doing the experiment with the kids, have a period where you discuss the science behind the lesson.

This is a good resource for learning about the science of light refraction. 

Depending on the age of the children doing the experiment, you can dive deep into the science or just skim the basic principles.

Data Recording and Analysis 

All good scientists know that data recording and analysis is crucial to any scientific discovery.

What this looks like will depend on the grade level of the child.

A young child might draw a picture of the results and write a word or two.

Older kids can dive into the math behind light refraction and can discuss the formula for the speed of light.

BENDING PENCIL EXPERIMENT EXPLANATION

Light travels slower through water than air. When light enters the water, it slows down and changes direction.

Then, as soon as the light waves reach the end of the water, they speed up again.

This makes the image of the pencil appear broken because you’re viewing the pencil through the slower light waves in the water, and the faster light waves through the air on the part of the pencil outside the water.

When you look at the pencil from the side, the part above the water you can view light as it travels directly from your eye to the pencil.

Looking for fast science experiments? The bending pencil science experiment is super fast, but a fun lesson in light refraction for kids. #stemactivities #scienceexperiments #science #jarringscience #kidsactivities

But the part of the pencil in the water light travels from your eye, through the jar, through the water, and then out of the air.

This causes the light to refract because it is hitting different densities of materials.

Because of this, the image gets distorted and the pencil looks broken.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR THE BENDING PENCIL EXPERIMENT

You need just a few supplies for the refraction science experiment, which makes it even easier to do! 

Each student will need one pencil and a jar half full of water for this experiment.

You can also have your students do the activity in groups of 3-4.

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of my links, I may earn a small commission. 

The pencil in water experiment is so much fun for kids! Learn about light refraction science all in a jar! #stemed #jarringscience #handsonlearning #steamactivities #scienceexperiments

You will need:

  • Jars
  • Pencils

 

The Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsThe Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based ProjectsThe Mason Jar Scientist: 30 Jarring STEAM-Based Projects12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid - Regular Mouth - 16 oz by Jarden12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid – Regular Mouth – 16 oz by Jarden12 Ball Mason Jar with Lid - Regular Mouth - 16 oz by JardenDixon Ticonderoga Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencils, Box of 96, Yellow (13872)Dixon Ticonderoga Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencils, Box of 96, Yellow (13872)Dixon Ticonderoga Wood-Cased #2 HB Pencils, Box of 96, Yellow (13872)

 

DOING THE PENCIL IN WATER EXPERIMENT

This experiment is so easy to do!

supplies for the bending pencil science experiment

You’ll need to fill your jars halfway with water.

Place a pencil inside the jar.

girl putting a pencil in a jar for the pencil in water experiment.

Rotate the jar until the pencil appears broken.

Discuss the concept of light refraction with the kids.

bent pencil sitting in water for a light refraction science experiment for kids

Test out light refraction with other mediums, such as oil or syrup.

Do the results stay the same? Are they more dramatic?

Have the kids record their results on their science worksheets .

MORE BACK TO SCHOOL STEM EXPERIMENTS TO TRY

Back to School STEM Activities

Leak Proof Bag Science Experiment

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Filed Under: Fall STEM Activities, STEM Activities

About Brenda Priddy

Brenda grew up thinking she hated science.

But when her 4-year- old daughter was more interested in reading science facts than fairy tales, Brenda realized she had to learn more about science to keep up with her daughter.

Through simple at-home science experiments, Brenda developed a passion for science and now acts as an advocate for STEM education for kids at her website STEAMsational.com.

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What is STEAM?

STEAM activities for kids promote the idea that science, technology, engineering, art, and math can all work together to help kids become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators!

Join us on our journey to discover just how much fun science experiments can be.

What we do… 

STEAMsational offers STEM and science lesson plans and teaching resources to provide a firm STEM foundation for children in the classroom or home.

All you need to do is find your supplies, gather your scientists, and let the innovation unfold.

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