How to Play

Step 1: Set up a flat surface like a table or floor.

Step 2: Place a small mirror on one side.

Step 3: Mark a target point somewhere on the surface using tape or a marker.

Step 4: Give kids a flashlight and ask them to aim the beam at the mirror so the light bounces and hits the target.

Step 5: Move the mirror and try different angles to test their prediction skills.

Step 6: Add 2 or 3 mirrors to create a zigzag light path for an extra challenge!

Learning

Light travels in straight lines but bounces when it hits a smooth surface — this is called
reflection. The angle at which light hits the mirror equals the angle at which it bounces off.
That’s why mirrors are used in periscopes, telescopes, cameras, and even solar panels.

Kid-friendly tip: Think of light like a super-bouncy ball — it hits, flips, and zooms away!

What You Need

• A small mirror or two

• A flashlight or torch

• A marker or tape for targets

• A flat surface to play on

• Optional extra mirrors for advanced challenges

Fun Challenges

Target Master: Place multiple targets and try hitting them one by one.

Mirror Maze: Set up several mirrors and bounce the light through a zigzag path.

Fastest Beam: Time each player — who can hit the target fastest?

Rainbow Trick: Use a CD or prism near the mirror to split light into colors.

Experiment Ideas

Swap the mirror for shiny objects like aluminum foil, a metal spoon, or water surfaces.

Test different flashlight colors and see if the reflection changes.

Try aiming at mirrors from different distances and measure how the beam spreads.

Safety & Tips

Never shine lights directly into anyone’s eyes.

Use small mirrors with rounded edges for safety.

Supervise children when using flashlights in dark spaces.

Take photos of the light paths — kids love seeing their experiments in action.

Think & Discuss

Why does light bounce differently on smooth vs rough surfaces?

Where do you see mirrors being used in daily life?

How does reflection help us build cameras, telescopes, and periscopes?