How to Build Your Very Own Shoe Box Projector for Solar Eclipse Watching
If you’re feeling excited about the upcoming solar eclipse, you must have made some preparation to watch it. But why settle for a pair of eclipse glasses when you can create a shoe box projector to experience the phenomenon in a new and exciting way?
Building a shoe box projector is simple, fun, and inexpensive, and it can even be a project for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s how to make one:
Materials You’ll Need:
- A shoe box
- Aluminum foil
- White cardstock paper
- Scissors
- Tape
- A needle, or pin
- A ruler
- A pencil
- Wax paper
- Black construction paper
Instructions:
Step 1: Cut a square in the center of one of the short sides of your shoe box, measuring around 2-3 inches in size.
Step 2: Cover the square with aluminum foil, and secure it in place with tape.
Step 3: Cut a piece of white cardstock paper to fit the opening on the opposite side of the box, which will be used to project the image of the sun onto. Tape it inside the box.
Step 4: Stand the box on one end, and use a ruler and pencil to draw a line from the center of the aluminum foil-covered side of the box to the top opposite corner.
Step 5: Use a pin or needle to create a small hole in the aluminum foil where the line meets the center.
Step 6: Turn on your flashlight, place it inside the box shining towards the white cardstock paper, and shut the lid.
Step 7: Cut a small square of wax paper, and tape it onto the side of the box diagonally opposite the aluminum foil-covered side, making sure its not blocking the hole you just made.
Step 8: Cover all the sides of the box with black construction paper to make it darker inside, and cut out a rectangular notch on the top for the sunlight to enter.
Step 9: Take your projector outside, point the little hole in the aluminum foil towards the sun, and adjust the position of the box until the sunlight shines in through the notch and onto the white cardstock paper. You will see a tiny projection of the sun’s image inside the box.
And thats how you build a shoe box projector for solar eclipse watching! Remember to never look directly at the sun, even during an eclipse, as it can damage your eyes. So, put on your eclipse glasses, and enjoy the show! |