How to Make a Magnifying Glass From Products at Home

A magnifying glass is an amazing instrument -- fascinating to children of all ages. Your kids will think you're a genius when you make a magnifying glass for them from simple recycled household products. These activities work because water contained in a clear, curved object bends, or refracts, the path of entering light. The resulting distortion enlarges the appearance of images viewed through the water. Children won't care much about the science, but will love discovering all the things they can view.

Things You'll Need

• Empty baby food jar
• Water
• Sealable plastic food bags

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Wash and dry an empty baby food jar.

   • 2

     Fill the jar with water. Allow it to overflow to force out air bubbles.

   • 3

     Look through the jar of water to magnify objects.

   • 4

     Pour about 1/2 inch of water into a sealable plastic food bag.

   • 5

     Press as much air out of the bag as you can. Seal it tightly. Roll the top of the bag down to make the magnifier easier to manage.

   • 6

     View objects through the water to enlarge them.