Courses
Rainbow Lab
The Rainbow Lab brings the magic of colours and rainbows into homes and classrooms across Ireland. Aimed at young scientists aged 4 to 8, it offers hands-on experiments that introduce key scientific principles in a fun and engaging way. Most materials used – such as water, milk, food colouring, and washing-up liquid – are everyday household items or easily found in supermarkets.
Experiments like “Flipping a Rainbow” help children explore concepts such as light refraction, diffusion, and colour mixing. These simple yet captivating activities are designed to spark curiosity and encourage a love for science from an early age.
By exploring the science behind rainbows and colours, children not only gain knowledge but also develop critical thinking and creativity. The Rainbow Lab transforms learning into a playful, interactive experience that inspires young minds to see science in the world around them.
Tá na turgnaimh agus an t-eolas ar fad ar fáil i nGaeilge freisin.
View the experiments
English
The following activities are designed for little scientists to try at home or in school during Science Week 2025. They were all carried out at home, not in a laboratory. Where we used equipment (like test tubes), a cup, container or bottle would work just fine. The majority of the ingredients can be bought in a supermarket, the vortex connector was ordered online. We hope you have fun and let us know if you have any feedback or suggestions.
Irish
Tá na 11 turgnaimh seo deartha d’eolaithe beaga le déanamh sa bhaile nó ar scoil i rith Sheachtain na hEolaíochta 2025. Déanadh iad go léir sa bhaile, ní i saotharlann. Nuair a d’úsáideamar trealamh eolaíochta (cosúil le fheadán tástála), d’oibreodh cupán, coimeádán nó buidéal go breá. Is féidir an chuid is mó de na comhábhair a cheannach i siopa, d’ordaíomar an vortex connector ar-líne. Tá súil againn go mbainfidh tú taitneamh as agus cuir in iúl dúinn má tá aon aiseolas nó moltaí agat.
Which schools are taking part?
Image caption: Locations of the 67 schools doing Rainbow Lab (Saotharlann an Bhogha Báistí) activities during Science Week 2025.