Pinhole Camera
Make a "camera," and learn how a real one works!
STEP ONE
Use the point of a sharp pencil to punch a hole in one of the shorter ends of the shoe box.
STEP TWO
Ask an adult to use an X-Acto knife to cut a square in the opposite end of the box, directly across from the hole. The square should measure 2 inches on each side.
STEP THREE
Use scissors to cut a square of wax paper that measures 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) on each side.
STEP FOUR
Place the wax paper directly over the square you cut in the box. Tape the edges of the wax paper to the box.
STEP FIVE
Take the camera box to a dimly lit room and turn on a lamp. Stand about 5 feet from the lamp.
STEP SIX
Cover your head and pinhole camera with a blanket. Be sure that the end with the wax paper is facing you and the end with the pinhole is facing the lamp.
STEP SEVEN
Hold your pinhole camera at arms length from your face and aim it at the lamp. Keep it steady until you see an upside-down image of the lamp.
Text from the National Geographic Kids Guide to Photography by Nancy Honovich and Annie Griffiths