The allure of the rainbow often creates a moment of awe and wonder for grown-ups as well as children. As summer nears and afternoon showers become frequent, looking for a rainbow or making a rainbow of your own is fun! It only takes two things for a rainbow to appear-
- sunlight
- rain or water droplets
To make a rainbow, position yourself with your back to the sun and begin spraying water from the garden hose. Watch the water droplets for the streak of rainbow colors. If you do not see the colors of the rainbow try moving the water hose to a different angle (height). The light source must hit the water droplet at 45 degrees to create a rainbow.
Rainbow science, color science, and arc shape are STEM learning experiences for preschoolers.
Other interesting facts about rainbows-
- A rainbow is an optical illusion [sad face], we cannot touch it. It's light, but I like to think of it as 'magical light'.
- The word "rainbow" comes from the Latin arcus pluvius, meaning "rainy arch".
- A rainbow is actually a circle. Because of the horizon and the ground we only see half (thus the arc), unless you are in the air.
- A rainbow is unique to each person because it is an optical phenomenon and not a physical object.
- The colors of the rainbow always appear in the same order: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Check out the catalog for more on RAINBOWS and COLOR . A few of my favorite's books are listed below-
"On the other side of a window there is neighbor. On the other side of sadness there are hugs. And on the other side of a storm there is a rainbow" by Theresa Trinder. Trinder was inspired by the rainbows her children and others had created during the Covid19 lockdown. Colorful rainbows displayed in windows and on sidewalks brought cheer and a feeling of hope to neighborhoods during Covid19 global quarantine. Illustrations by Grant Snider, who hunts rainbows in Kansas!
"Plip-plop, plip-plop, plip-plip-plop. Will these raindrops ever stop? Raindrops may be falling outside, but there's still a bright, beautiful world of color to experience!" Author, John Micklos Jr.'s use of cheerful rhyming text also highlights and expounds on each color in the rainbow. Illustrated by Charlene Chua.
Rainbows (2017) a non-fiction book by Martha E. H. Rustad. "One of the best things about a rainy day is the possibility of seeing a rainbow, but there's more to rainbows than meets the eye! Simple text introduces readers to the science behind rainbows. Including why rainbows occur and what they are made of." Goodreads.
In this heartfelt story about courage, change, and moving on, a girl and her companion fox travel together away from a sorrowful past through challenging and stormy times, toward color and light and life.
"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalms 30:5 inspired Smriti Halls. Gorgeous and rich illustrations by David Litchfeild.
Ava and the rainbow (who stayed) 2018 by Ged Adamson
Ava is beyond thrilled when she discovers the beauteous rainbow has decided to stay. The spectacular rainbow became the town's tourist attraction in all seasons. But after, a year, Ava noticed the rainbow was no longer the dazzled attraction it had once been. "Ava learns that sometimes the rare and special things in life are the most valuable and precious of all." Goodreads.
Board books for babies to discover all the colors of the rainbow too!
Kira Willey's song Colors from the album Dance for the Sun: Yoga songs for Kids is perfect for more rainbow fun.
Search Freegal the library's free music service to listen or discover other music to enjoy.
(Must "Log in" with library card number to use Freegal)