Sun prints are a beautiful way to explore how sunlight interacts with materials. Scouts can use special paper, fabric, or even construction paper to create striking images by placing objects in the sun and watching how light leaves behind silhouettes. It’s a creative way to learn about UV light, shadow formation, and the science of exposure.
- Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Daisy Space Science Explorer badge requirements.
- Fulfills Step 5 of GSUSA Brownie Outdoor Art Creator, Junior Outdoor Art Explorer, Cadette Outdoor Art Apprentice, Senior Outdoor Art Expert, and Ambassador Outdoor Art Master badge requirements.
Info Needed for Daisy Space Science: The sun looks like it moves across the sky because Earth is spinning. When we see the sun in the morning, our part of Earth is turning toward the light. At night, our part of Earth turns away from the sun. It looks like the sun has gone down. Shadows change during the day because the sun’s position in the sky changes.
Possible Projects:
- Make Sun Paper by NASA (30–40 min) – A NASA-inspired version of sun printing using construction paper and sunlight.
- Outdoor Sun Prints (20–30 min) – Use natural items like leaves or toys to make prints directly on paper outdoors.
- Sun Prints on Fabric (60–90 min) – Paint damp cotton fabric, press leaves and flowers onto it, and let the sun reveal stunning nature-based prints. A creative twist on traditional sun printing.
- Using Sun Print Paper (15–20 min) – Place objects on sun-sensitive paper and expose them to sunlight to create beautiful prints.
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