Introduction
Light and reflection are everywhere — from mirrors to puddles to shiny surfaces. This simple mirror and light STEM activity uses translucent Lucite Cubes to help children explore reflection, symmetry, and the way light travels.
Through hands-on experimentation, kids build foundational skills in science, math, and spatial design — all through open-ended play.
Perfect for preschool and early elementary learners.
Age Range
3–7 years (adapt complexity based on age)
Skills Developed
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Early physics concepts (light reflection)
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Symmetry recognition
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Spatial awareness
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Pattern building
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Creative experimentation
Materials Needed
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Lucite Cubes (Like those in our Acrylic Collection)
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Small mirror like our mirror tray
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Sunlight or flashlight
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Flat white surface (optional for clearer reflections)
Optional:
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Two mirrors for advanced reflection experiments
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Set Up Your Reflection Station
Place the mirror upright on a table or floor near a natural light source.
Position a Lucite Cube between the mirror and the light.
Step 2: Observe Light Reflection
Shine the light through the cube and observe how it reflects in the mirror.
Ask your child:
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“What do you notice?”
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“Why do you think the light changes direction?”
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“Does the reflection look the same or different?”
Step 3: Explore Symmetry
Move the cube closer to the mirror.
Notice how the reflection creates a symmetrical image.
Encourage children to:
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Build half a pattern and use the mirror to complete it
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Create geometric designs
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Experiment with distance and angle
Step 4: Pattern Play
Arrange multiple cubes to create repeating patterns.
Watch how reflections multiply shapes and colors.
Discuss:
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What makes something symmetrical?
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Where do we see symmetry in nature?
STEM Learning Concepts
Light Reflection
Light travels in straight lines and reflects when it hits a surface like a mirror. This activity helps children observe how light changes direction.
Symmetry
When one side mirrors another, it creates symmetry — a key concept in math, art, and architecture.
Visual-Spatial Reasoning
Children strengthen their ability to recognize patterns, balance, and design relationships.
Extend the Activity
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Use two mirrors to create infinite reflections
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Try colored cubes to see how reflections layer
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Draw symmetrical patterns on paper, then recreate them with blocks
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Photograph mirrored designs
Why Reflection Play Matters
Hands-on mirror and light activities encourage children to experiment, observe, and ask questions — the foundation of scientific thinking.
Open-ended materials like Lucite Cubes allow children to explore abstract concepts like symmetry and reflection in a concrete, visual way.
Shop the Lucite Collection
Lucite Cubes are included in our Riley Blocks, Barca Blocks, James Blocks, Noa Blocks, Austin Blocks, and Millie Blocks sets — thoughtfully designed for open-ended building and STEM exploration.
