As part of National Science Week, Craig Family Centre presents a hands-on, creative experience where children and their caregivers explore how the sun shapes the world around us. This activity centres on cyanotype printing — an early photographic process that uses UV light to develop images on specially treated paper. Safe and highly visual, it’s perfect for child–caregiver pairs to discover, experiment, and create together.

Each child and caregiver begin by collecting a special sheet of cyanotype paper. Names are written on the back, and guidance is provided to protect the paper before use. Together, they arrange natural or personal objects on the paper and place it in the sun. Within minutes, the print transforms — sunlight leaves behind beautiful white shapes on a deep blue background.

The process opens conversations about how sunlight affects the world: ripening fruit, fading colours, casting shadows, and warming our skin. It links scientific ideas to everyday changes in nature, encouraging curiosity and shared learning.

Once the image develops, children give their print to a facilitator for rinsing. The artworks are dried and stored safely for a later celebration, where families can view the full exhibition.

This simple but meaningful project connects science, art, and intergenerational bonding. It creates space for presence, conversation, and play between children and their caregivers. Each family also receives a take-home handout explaining the cyanotype process and ways to explore further at home.

Through this activity, we celebrate the natural world and the joy of learning together — leaving both a physical print and a lasting memory.