Making a DIY
Pinhole Camera!
Learn how to make a DIY pinhole camera to safely view the magic of a solar eclipse in our latest video!
This family-friendly tutorial uses easy-to-find materials to create a fun and educational activity for kids. Experience the wonder of the solar system right from your own backyard with this safe and easy tutorial.
Making a DIY Pinhole Camera!
Materials
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CARDBOARD BOX (FULLY SEALED SO LIGHT DOESN’T GET IN)
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SHARP PENCIL OR PEN
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TAPE
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PARCHMENT PAPER (WAX PAPER)
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SCISSORS (AND SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP)
Procedure
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WE’RE GOING TO START BY ADDING OUR VIEWING SCREEN. ON ONE END OF THE BOX, USE YOUR SCISSORS TO CUT OUT A SECTION THAT TAKES UP MOST OF THE AREA OF THE END OF THE BOX.
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CUT YOUR WAX PAPER SO IT’S THE SAME SIZE AS THE END OF THE BOX. LAY IT OVER THE CUT OUT RECTANGLE AND TAPE IT IN PLACE. THIS IS WHERE THE IMAGE WILL BE PROJECTED.
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ON THE OTHER END OF THE BOX, FIND THE CENTRE OF THE AREA. WE’RE GOING TO MAKE THE OPENING THAT WILL LET THE IMAGE INTO THE CAMERA. CAREFULLY POKE A HOLE WITH YOUR SHARP PENCIL OR PEN, IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE CLEAN AND NICE WITHOUT JAGGED EDGES SO TAKE YOUR TIME.
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SIMPLY DRAPE A BLANKET OVER YOURSELF AND YOUR CAMERA, LEAVING THE PINHOLE END EXPOSED AND POINT YOUR CAMERA AT SOMETHING BRIGHT, LIKE THE SUN OR A LIT LIGHT BULB. YOU’LL SEE THE UPSIDE DOWN IMAGE APPEAR ON THE VIEWING SCREEN.
This experiment is great for Beginner Explorers,
involves scissors, and uses household items.
