Materials

• sun-print paper, 8" x 10" (available at most photo supply stores and at the Exploratorium Store )
• bright sunlight (this works best around noon, from late spring to early fall)
• pushpins
• a piece of cardboard larger than the paper
• your hand or foot
• a tray of water

To Do and Notice

1. Find a bright, sunny spot outside.
2. Take one sheet of sun-print paper out of the light-tight envelope, and close the envelope back up.
3. Use the pushpins to secure the paper to the cardboard so that it will stay flat. (If there's a breeze, you may want to secure the cardboard, too.)
4. Place your hand or foot on the paper for two to five minutes, or until the paper turns a very pale blue.
5. Place your tray of water someplace where it's out of the direct sun, and immerse the paper for about a minute.
6. Place the wet paper flat on an old towel, and watch your image sharpen as it dries.