Why Do Glitter and Sequins Flash When You Move?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do glitter and sequins flash when you move?

The Big Idea

Glitter and sequins are made of lots of tiny flat, shiny pieces. They all point in slightly different directions. When you move, each piece takes a turn bouncing light into your eyes.

Tiny Flat Pieces

Step one: tiny flat pieces. Glitter is made of super-small flakes of shiny plastic or metal. Each flake is a flat little mirror, so one pinch holds thousands.

Different Angles

Step two: different angles. The flakes land at all sorts of angles, like a pile of dropped coins. Only the ones tilted just right bounce light into your eyes.

Move and Flash

Step three: move and flash. When you move, other pieces line up and the first ones go dark. That makes glitter and sequins look like they are winking.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Glitter is made of thousands of tiny mirrors. A sparkly costume seems to wink as the dancer moves, because its sequins tilt. A lamp gives the light that they bounce. Tilting paper changes which specks light up.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Stage costumes use thousands of sequins to catch the lights. Disco balls use the same idea, with mirrors on a spinning ball. Sequins are little shiny plastic discs sewn onto clothes. Keep glitter away from your eyes and mouth.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Sprinkle a little glitter on a sheet of paper under a lamp. Tilt the paper slowly. Watch which specks light up. Keep glitter away from your eyes, and wash your hands after.

Outro

Glitter flashes because thousands of tiny mirrors take turns. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!