Background information

Content information about rainbows:

Rainbows occur when sunlight and rain combine in a particular way. Sunlight is made up of different colours that we can't normally see. However, when sunlight passes through a raindrop at a certain angle, the different colours in the sunlight are separated so that we can see them in the form of a rainbow.

For each colour of the rainbow to be produced, the sunlight needs to pass through the a raindrop at a different angle. This is because light slows down when it passes through the raindrop, and the angle that the light takes as it passes through the raindrop will determine the colour that is produced by that raindrop. When light at different angles passes through many raindrops it can create a rainbow in stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.

Sunset is still my favourite colour, and rainbow is second.
mattie stepanek

Content information about sustainability and creativity:

Sustainability describes the ability to keep going at the same rate and in the same (or better) condition as before. In order for our world to be able to sustain us, as well as the generations to come, we need to change. It’s time to think differently - and more creatively - about sustainability and the future of our planet.

Creativity and approaching challenges in a creative way has traditionally been seen as a natural gift, but in fact it can be grown just like a muscle. Creativity is like any other skill. It can be learned and developed – especially in the classroom. It’s a crucial skill for everybody to practice and, ultimately, master.

Our environment provides a wealth of opportunities for children to explore and develop creativity. Nature itself stimulates our senses and encourages imagination and inspiration. Animals and plants excite and amaze us. The seasons offer different palettes and materials to work with at different times of the year. Natural phenomena such as rainbows and thunderstorms incite wonder and awe.

Exploring key themes around sustainability through creativity is key to engaging children's interest in these important – and often very serious – issues. It is also proven that children who are connected to their world and their environment are more likely to take action to care for it later in life.

Faber-Castell have long understood the importance of creativity to all people, especially to young people. They are also continuously searching for environmentally friendly processes and materials in support of their creative goals. For more information about Faber-Castell, click here.

Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.
Thomas berry

Definitions:

Rainbow - A rainbow is an arc or curved line in the sky that is made up of many different colours.
Arc - A part of a curve.
Natural - Something that comes from or is found in nature.
Sustainability - Sustainability is about making sure there is enough for our environment and for everyone on Earth, both now and in the future.

Ages 0 to 2

Begin by showing children a picture of a rainbow (you could display or print these images: Rainbows Images). Invite children to share what they know about rainbows, including:

I wonder what this is?
I wonder what we can see in this picture?
I wonder what colours we can see?
I wonder if you have seen a rainbow?
I wonder if we can make a rainbow?

Explain to children that they are going to make a rainbow in the room. To do this you will need:

Some white wall or poster-sized white paper stuck to the wall
Recycled CD
Sunlight or a torch

Flip your CD over so that the base side is facing up. Place your CD into the sunlight or use a torch to shine onto the base of the CD. Direct your rainbow onto the wall or poster paper.

Invite children to explore the light patterns of the rainbow. Invite children to draw their own rainbows, talking through the rainbow shape and colours as they draw.

You could also share the following drawing of a rainbow (also available here) and invite children to create their own rainbow using this template: Rainbow Drawing Template.

Provocations

I wonder what a rainbow is?
I wonder where we can find rainbows?
I wonder what colours you can find in a rainbow?
I wonder what shape a rainbow is?
I wonder if we can make a rainbow?
I wonder what we need to make a rainbow?

Possible lines of development

Other things in the room/centre that are the same colours as the colours in the rainbow
Sing and share “I can sing a rainbow”
Investigating the torch – How does it work? Where are the batteries? What other patterns/shapes can you make with the torchlight?
Investigating the CD – How does it feel? Are both sides the same? What shape is it?
Invite children to draw or paint a rainbow.

Ages 3 to 5

Begin by inviting children to share if they’ve ever seen a rainbow, and to consider the following questions:

I wonder what a rainbow is? (Suggested answer: A rainbow is an arc or curved line in the sky that is made up of many different colours)
I wonder how a rainbow is made? (Suggested answer: Most rainbows are formed when the rays from the sun pass through raindrops falling from clouds)
I wonder where you can see rainbows? (Suggested answer: You can see rainbows in the sky, but you can also see rainbows in a sprinkler, or when sunlight hits a glass of water)
I wonder what colours you can find in a rainbow? (Suggested answer: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet)

Now share the following drawing of a rainbow with children (also available here):

Invite children to make their own rainbow by drawing one on some paper (or use this template: Rainbow Drawing Template). Encourage children to use all the colours of the rainbow in their drawing.

Once complete, explain to the children that you will now go out into the yard to look for the colours of the rainbow in nature. Each child should take their rainbow drawing and should walk around the yard trying to find colourful things in nature that match the colours of their rainbow. Encourage children to be selective with what they choose and to share with others where possible (e.g. if you find a red flower, consider picking one and sharing the petals amongst children so that you don’t remove all the flowers from the plant).

As children find colourful objects, invite them to consider what these objects are used for. The following questions can guide your discussion:

I wonder what this is?
I wonder where it comes from?
I wonder if this is a natural thing? I wonder how I can tell?
If this is not a natural thing, I wonder where it comes from?
I wonder how we can tell the difference between things that are natural and things that aren’t?

Give children some glue and invite them to stick the things they have found onto the matching colours of their rainbow.

Provocations

I wonder what a rainbow is?
I wonder where we can find rainbows?
I wonder what colours you can find in a rainbow?
I wonder if we have any rainbows in our yard?
I wonder if we can find all the colours of a rainbow in the nature in our yard?
I wonder what things in our yard are natural?
I wonder what things in our yard are not natural?

Possible lines of development

Find other things in the room/service that are the same colours as the colours in the rainbow.
Sing and share “I can sing a rainbow”.
Paint a rainbow (see here)
Share stories about rainbows (such as Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister, Elmer and the Rainbow by David McKee, or A Rainbow of My Own by Don Freeman.)
Go on an excursion in your neighbourhood to find the colours of your neighbourhood.

Evaluation

Complete an analysis of learning, listing evidence about:

Belonging	Finding something of interest
Communication	Expressing an idea or feeling
Exploration	Engaging with a challenge and persisting when difficulties arise
Wellbeing	Being involved

Embedding into daily practice

Creative Sustainability - Making Rainbows

Go to

Summary

Activity Guides and Printables

Activity Details

Curriculum Mapping

Resources Required

Additional Info

In this activity