The International Day of Light is celebrated on 16 May each year. This marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by the physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. We recognize the International Day of Light in efforts to increase awareness about the role of light and how it promotes sustainable development. Take this opportunity to explore the science of light with your students!

“Without light, our planet would be but a cold and barren place. Indeed, where there is light, there is often an abundance of life. Yet light represents even more for humanity. Light goes hand in hand with knowledge; it is a lens through which to see and understand the world.” – Audrey Azoulay UNESCO Director-General

Use this collection of 10 Light Lessons to celebrate this International Day of Light!

1. CREATIVE RETRACTABLE LIGHT by RiverValley XuanYuan

1. Let students understand the structure and principle of “Retractable Light”
2. Let students learn or improve the use or proficiency of tools such as glue guns and scorpions.
3. Allow students to optimize, improve, and recreate classroom work.
4. Enhance students skills, creativity, and hands-on skills.

2. INTERACTIVE LIGHTS by studio 5/6

In this workshop, participants are going to learn how to create interactive lights using smart materials and a pre-programmed electrical board that has different functionalities installed in it, participants are going to use the conductive paint as a replacement of wires as well as touch and proximity sensors, the lamps that the participants are going to create are going to be fabricated using paper.

3. ANPRINO LIGHT PAINTER by artur coelho

We can use a robot and its movements as a basis these projects. We’re going to use an Anprino robot, but the basics of the light painter bot can be done with any other type od educational robot, provided that your robot has programmable leds, can be programmed, and you have access to a smartphone. An Anprino is an educational robot developed by portuguese teachers at ANPRI. It’s goal is to use 3D printing, arduino and visual coding to enable a low-cost, highly customizable robotics platform for schools.

4. POPSICLE FLASHLIGHTS – SIMPLE CIRCUITS WITH A SWITCH by CITC Fab Lab

Learn about electricity and build a simple circuit with a switch using some very simple materials.

5. LEARN CAD DESIGN WITH LIGHT PLAY by Jessica Nielsen

We use the Exploritorium’s light play activity to explore light and learn how to design and cut objects on the laser cutter. The laser-cutter is a versatile tool used throughout many shops. Having the capabilities to etch and cut on different materials such as: wood, acrylic and other thin materials.

6. MINI LED FLASHLIGHT by Kevin McKee

Students will design and fabricate their very own mini LED flashlights! Students will create a case that fits all of the internal components of the flashlight. This can be done using the step-by-step tutorial design that follows, or by creating their own unique and original design. They will be given all of the internal components of the flashlight to assemble and solder correctly before inserting it into their designed case.

7. LIGHT UP TEXTILE by Moath Momani

In this session, students will be introduced to wearable technology and basic electronic components to build an electrical circuit using a conductive tape and LED stick, in addition they will customize Arabic patterns using a vinyl cutter to have the shopper bag decorated and to be light it up by LED’s.

8. UNDER THE LIGHTS: WEARABLE DEVICE DESIGNER by Aidan Mullaney

Students are introduced to the Engineering Design Process through a rapid prototyping activity. Each step of the EDP will be addressed while creating a prototype device using craft materials. This lesson will prepare students for future curriculum in the BCP Collection, with Essential Skills integration. This lesson is structured in the 5E Instructional Model.

NOTE: Digital fabrication tools are not used in this lesson. This lesson serves as an introduction for future use of digital fabrication tools.

9. LASER CUT LIGHT BOXES by CITC Fab Lab

Create your own personalized light box that includes LED strands and DC power supply. The image, LED light colors and display box dimensions are up to you!! Time: 16 hours if designing images, cutting and soldering

10. LIGHTUP YOUR FAB by Edmundo Reyes

Light is an essential thing in our lives and we have been able to capture it. LightUP is a fun and simple way to understand it. Children build a pocket light with a battery, a led light and a laser cut cardboard.