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In this activity, learners set up an experiment to investigate the effects of hot air on the path of a laser beam. They observe the wandering position of the laser beam spot on the wall after the light travels through hot air rising from the candle flame. Learners produce a table of observations from both the Cool Air and Hot Air experiments, and answer questions using evidence from their experiment. Apply what learners discover in this experiment to real-life by discussing why stars "twinkle."
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 45 to 60 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 14 - 18
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Candle holder (modeling clay, or sticky adhesive putty)
- Candle (birthday cake size) and matches or lighter
- Laser pointer
- Binder clip
- Graph paper (8.5 x 11 inches with 1/4 inch grid size)
- Masking tape
- Cup (8 to 12 inches high) preferably non-flammable
- Meter stick
Subjects
-
Earth and Space Science
-
Astronomy
- Stars and Galaxies
- Probes, Satellites and Spacecraft
-
Earth Structure
- Atmosphere
-
Astronomy
-
Physical Sciences
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
-
Light and Optics
- Lasers
- Reflection and Refraction
-
Structure and Properties of Matter
- Volume and Density
-
Heat and Thermodynamics
-
Engineering and Technology
-
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
-
Engineering
-
Life Sciences
-
Human Senses and Perception
- Vision
- Perception
-
Human Senses and Perception
-
Mathematics
-
Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Representation
-
Data Analysis and Probability
-
The Nature of Science
-
The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- Communicating Results
-
The Scientific Process
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- read
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves teamwork and communication skills
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
Components that are part of this resource:
Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:
Includes assesments for student learning:
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
- The University of Texas McDonald Observatory
Rights:
- All rights reserved, The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, 2011