Did you know that all white light is not the same? Each ray we see is made up of different wavelengths of color. A spectroscope can help divide light so that we can see each color in it separately, creating a rainbow. This rainbow of colors is called a spectrum.

Would you like to see the color in white light? It is quite easy to create a simple spectroscope using inexpensive items that can be found around your house. You will need to gather a shoe box, scissors, a pencil, tape, index cards, and rubber bands. In addition, you will need to find something that will help you create refraction. (When you use something to bend light, the process is called refraction.) You can use an old cd for this. The shiny side is perfect for creating refraction. Finally, you will need something to make an eyepiece, such as an empty cardboard tube.

To make a refraction spectroscope, you will need to make three holes in your box. The first hole will be for the eyepiece. You will make it approximately one third of the way up and one third of the way from the left side. Trace around the tube and carefully cut the center of the circle out. (If a child is making the spectroscope, parents should help cut all holes.) Do not tape the eyepiece into place yet. You will need to angle it back and forth after your spectroscope is completed until you can see the light.

Next, turn the box onto its side so that the eyepiece hole is facing to the right. Go to the left side of the new box side and measure up the same distance from the bottom as you did for the eyepiece hole. This time, your hole will be a small rectangle. Once you cut your hole, you will need to cut an index card in half and then place each half over the hole, leaving a narrow vertical slit uncovered in the center of the hole. Tape the cards securely into place.

Once you have created your slit, it is time to create your refraction lens. Turn the box over so that it is right side up, but be sure the slit you just made is still facing you. Turn the cd so that the shiny side is out and the label is facing the cardboard box. Tape or glue the disk to the inside of the box directly across from the slit. Make sure it is the same distance from the side and bottom as the slit is. Put the lid on the box and secure it with your rubber bands. Now, point the slit towards a light source and look through your eyepiece. Move the eyepiece around until you can see the light and then tape it securely in place.

You can also make a reflection spectroscope. This spectroscope will separate light waves by reflecting them. For this spectroscope, you will need the lens from a pair of rainbow glasses instead of a cd and you will not need a tube.

Draw a rectangle that is about the size of your rainbow lens on one end of the shoe box and then carefully cut out the inside of the rectangle. Once the rectangle has been cut out, you will need to tape the lens to the outside of the hole.

Next, draw another rectangle of the same size on the other side of the box and carefully cut it out. You should be able to look straight through this hole and out through the rainbow lens. This hole will become your slit. Cut an index card in half and place each half over the hole, leaving a narrow vertical slit uncovered in the center of the hole. Tape the cards into place.

Once both sides of the spectroscope are finished, it is time to put the lid on the shoe box. Wrap the rubber bands around the box to be sure the lid doesn't come loose.

Once your spectroscope is completed, you are ready to have some fun. Hold the box so that the end with the slit in it is facing your light source and look through the other end. You will be able to see all of the different colors that were hiding in the light. Just don't try to look at the sun. The sun's rays are so bright that they can damage your vision or even blind you.