Holiday Magic Trick

• A clear resealable bag (Ziploc-style) or transparent pouch
• A black permanent marker
• A colourful Christmas drawing on a white piece of paper small enough to fit in the bag
• A container filled with water (the effect is more impressive with an opaque container, like a saucepan!)
• A magician’s hat! (optional 😉)

1. Insert the drawing: Place the coloured drawing inside the Ziploc bag or pouch. If necessary, cut or fold the edges so that it fits entirely inside the bag.   
2. Seal the bag: Close the bag tightly so that no water gets in—it’s important to keep the drawing dry! It’s ok if a small amount of air remains in the bag.
3. Outline the drawing: Use the black permanent marker to trace the outline of the drawing on the outside of the Ziploc bag.   
4. Submerge the bag: Lower the bag vertically into the water.
5. Reveal the illusion: Ask your child to look down at the drawing from above the container. The illusion only works from a certain angle: if you look at the drawing from the side, the colour won’t “disappear.” This is why it’s best to use an opaque container.
6. Explain the phenomenon: Light travels differently depending on the medium it passes through. Refraction is the physical phenomenon that occurs when light rays are deflected from their path as they pass from one transparent medium to another.

In this “magic” experiment, we can no longer see the colours of the drawing because the refraction of light is different when it passes through water. It’s a bit like tossing a coin into a swiming pool and not seeing it when you look down!