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Light Graffiti


Studying light and the technology behind cameras, my 2nd-grade STEM students created light graffiti. Each team of students used a digital camera and researched the effects of different shutter speeds. What happens when you lengthen the shutter speed and allow more light to enter the camera lens?


Students adjusted their camera’s shutter speed and explored the possibilities with different light sources. Their favorite tools were different colors of flashlights and light sticks. At first, teams doodled with the light and made artistic, glowing blobs. As they continued experimenting, they discovered how to make geometric shapes, reflective artwork with desktops, and even text. These are a few examples of their light graffiti.



Many digital cameras or even smartphones today don’t include a feature to extend the time a shutter is open. It may be possible to download an app that allows more control of your smartphone’s camera and adjust the shutter time. If you try creating light graffiti with kids, be sure to take photos in a dark space and use plenty of various colors and light-emitting tools, such as glow sticks. Encourage kids to write their names, draw shapes, create light emojis, or other artistic scenes.

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