Activities > For Ages 10 and Up

Jell-O lens

Use Jell-O to make your own magnifying glass!

Materials

  • Rounded measuring spoon or cup
  • Jell-O (lighter color looks better)
  • Clear glass plate or bowl
  • water

Directions

  1. Make the Jell-O according to the packet instructions up until you have to cool it.
  2. Fill your measuring cup or spoon with the liquid Jell-O
  3. Cool according to instructions
  4. Wet your hands so the Jell-O doesn’t stick and carefully remove Jell-O from measuring cup.
  5. Add a little water to the bottom of your glass plate
  6. Place the Jell-O on the water, flat side down
  7. Move the plate over different things to see them up close.

Explanation

When light moves through a lens, it is bent through a process called refraction. Refraction occurs when light enters a substance of a different density. It starts to bend toward your eyes and gives the illusion that the object is closer than it appears.