Can You "See" Thermal Radiation?

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Use this hands-on activity to demonstrate infrared and thermal radiation. Learners will cover their eyes or wear blindfolds and then move their hands to sense the infrared heat coming from a ceramic heater nearby. Just like snakes that can "see" thermal radiation to detect their prey, learners will detect infrared by measuring the heating of their palms when the infrared strikes the skin. Note: the cost of a ceramic reptile heater and metal lamp stand are not included in the cost of materials.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
Under 5 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Demonstration, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Ceramic reptile heater
  • Metal lamp stand
  • Blindfolds (optional)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Touch
      • Vision
      • Perception
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
      • Heat Transfer
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals

Audience

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, Little Shop of Physics, 2009