Light travels from a light source, such as a torch, in a straight line.
If you put a solid object (like a rat) in the way of the light, the light cannot pass through, and a shadow is made behind the object, where there is no light.
In this fun activity, make your own rat-shaped shadow puppet, then use it to try some shadow experiments.
To make your own shadow rat, you will need:
This image from a medieval illuminated manuscript shows the sun and moon arguing over whose light is the best.
Colour in this detailed picture and then decide who is the winner...
This activity is inspired by Twilight at the Museums
Make a wonderful water lily that opens in water.
This type of tropical flower is pollinated by beetles. In the daytime, these stay hidden inside the closed flower.
If you want, cut out the beetle and hide it inside your flower before placing it on water!
To make your water lily you will need:
Come along to the Botanic Garden after dark and join biofluorescent expert David Atthowe as he guides us around the Garden, looking at plants and animals and their beautiful biofluorescent.
Two walks will take place each evening, one from 6pm to 7.30pm and the other from 8pm to 9.30pm.
These will be limited to 15 per walk and are strictly for those aged eight and over.
This event is part of Twilight at the Museums 2026.
Come and make and decorate a little lantern in the Botanic Garden. Take it home with you and light up your home.
The event is free but must be booked in advance.
Suitable for ages four to 10.
This event is part of Twilight at the Museums 2026.
