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Torch Sparkler Light Painting

Ages 8–12⏱ 45 minMess: LOWGrown-up help: MediumArt & DesignStop-Motion & Film
Captain A proudly holds up the completed light-painting torch, holding it by its barrel to showcase the finished craft.

Captain A will help you learn: Uses a phone camera on a long exposure to capture torch trails that look like sparkler writing and firework bursts, without any flames. Children learn how a camera sensor keeps collecting light while the shutter is open, and how coloured filters change the colour of light.

⚠️ Work in a dark room with the floor cleared of trip hazards, or in a garden with an adult present. Never shine torches into anyone's eyes. Keep any small torch batteries away from younger children. This is a flame-free alternative; real sparklers should only ever be handled with close adult supervision and gloves.

Steps

  1. Ask an adult to set the phone to night mode or open a long-exposure camera app.
  2. Stretch a square of coloured cellophane over the end of a torch and hold it on with an elastic band.

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