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Learners observe different paper samples under ordinary room light and under a black light to learn some of the chemical differences between different types of paper. They also learn that some chemicals can be identified by how they appear under a black light. For instance, fibers that can be seen only under ultraviolet light can be added to paper for security reasons.
- 5 to 10 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 6 - adult
- Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- One view box (see Materials Prep, Unit 6 Experiment “Light and Dark”)
- Four 1-in. by 4-in. pieces of paper; each strip should be from a different type of paper that glows a different hue when placed under black light. (We used Boise Cascade Papers: Summit Form Bond (White Hi-Opaque), White 25% Cotton Laser, White Laser Opaque, and White OCR Laser Bond.)
- String or nylon fishing line
- Spray cleaner (such as Formula 409TM) (from general storage)
- Tissues
Subjects
-
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
-
Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
- Structure and Properties of Matter
Informal Categories
- Crime Science
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
This resource is part of:
Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All rights reserved, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, 1997
Funding Source:
- National Science Foundation