Light Waves: Fruit Loop Necklaces - STEAM Lesson

STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.

STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.

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Age Group Best Served: K-8

Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1

Take Away Artifact: Yes

Approximate time: 45 minutes

Divisions Covered: All

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Materials:

Per Student: 18” length of string, plastic needle, 1.5 cups of multicolored Fruit Loops,

For class: video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqbgJ3c3yhc, Infographic below, prisms, rainbow color sheet below (younger students) colored pencils (ROYGBIV).

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Question to ask:

Why do we see color?

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Skills Required for Completion of Task:

Motor skills

• Bilateral upper extremity coordination
• Ability to manipulate small objects
• Hand-eye coordination
• Ability to grip objects
• Ability to stabilize objects/task

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Process/Cognitive skills

• Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
• Follow multi-step directions
• Ability to sequence steps
• Ability to understand safety precaution
• Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
• Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements

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Social skills

• Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately

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K-8 Standards:

4.PS4: Waves and their Application in Technologies for Information Transfer 2) Describe how the colors of available light sources and the bending of light waves determine what we see.

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Simple Science:

Light travels in waves, and different wavelengths appear as different colors. For example, red light has a longer wavelength than violet light.

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This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:

Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services

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Instructions:

Introduce the concept of bending light with the video linked above and the infographic images below. Using the prisms, demonstrate how the light can be bent to create rainbows of light on surfaces. Assist students with tying the needle to one end of the string and using a Fruit Loop as an anchor on the other end. Instruct students to sort Fruit Loops by color and string them (10-15 each) on the necklace: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, and Purple. Any remaining time can be used to snack on Fruit Loops and color the rainbow color sheet.

Precaution: Heat gun is HOT. Use caution.

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The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment. 

Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment