Writing with Light Activity

The energy emitted by an ultraviolet LED can be used in many ways by UV-sensitive materials. In this activity, visitors use a UV LED to “write with light” on a piece of sun paper and to change the color of UV beads. Viewing lights through a spectroscope also allows visitors to break down the light emitted by LEDs and other lights in the room into their individual wavelengths.

Video

Materials

  • UV LED
  • Sun paper
  • UV beads
  • Spectroscope (made with a cardboard box and diffraction grating)