Hot Spot

Add to list Go to activity
Activity link broken? See if it's at the internet archive
In this activity, learners explore the invisible infrared radiation from an electric heater. Though we can't see the radiation with our eyes, learners can focus it with a mirror or lens and feel the warmth it produces on their hand. This activity also helps learners understand how parabolic shapes concentrate energy. Learners can explore focusing sound waves as well by talking close into the mirror and then moving away. This activity requires adult supervision.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Hearing
  • Physical Sciences
    • Heat and Thermodynamics
      • Heat and Temperature
    • Energy
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Wave Properties
      • Sound
    • Light and Optics
      • Lenses and Mirrors
      • Electromagnetic Spectrum
      • Reflection and Refraction
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • hear
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation
  • California Department of Education
  • NEC Foundation of America