Making Art with the Sun: The Science of Cyanotypes

SciShow Kids

In this engaging episode of SciShow Kids, Mister Brown and Squeaks introduce young learners to the intersection of art and science through cyanotypes, also known as sun prints. After returning from a nature walk, Mister Brown reveals a unique piece of art created using special paper, water, and sunlight, rather than traditional paint or ink. The video serves as both a practical tutorial and a scientific explanation, making the concept of light-sensitive chemical reactions accessible to elementary students. The content explores several key themes, including the history of photography, the physics of light and shadows, and basic chemistry. It highlights historical figures like Sir John Herschel, who invented the process, and Anna Atkins, a botanist considered the first person to publish a book illustrated with photographic images. The video also breaks down the scientific mechanism behind the art, explaining how specific ingredients on the paper undergo a chemical change when exposed to ultraviolet light, turning into a waterproof dye called Prussian Blue. For educators, this video is an excellent resource for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) lessons. It provides a perfect launchpad for hands-on activities involving light energy and nature exploration. Teachers can use it to explain how opacity and transparency work, introduce the concept of chemical reactions (ingredients changing to make something new), or discuss the history of scientific documentation. The clear, step-by-step demonstration allows students to visualize a process that they can easily replicate in the classroom or at home.