Canned Heat
Source Institutions
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NOAA
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In this activity, learners explore how light and dark colored objects absorb the Sun's radiations at different rates. Learners place one shiny coffee can and one coffee can painted black, each filled with the same amount of water, in direct sunlight for two hours. Learners measure and compare the temperature of the water before and after the test. Use this demonstration to introduce learners to solar radiation and albedo as well as the importance of summer safety and sun protection.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 2 to 4 hours
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 6 - 14
- Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Two empty coffee cans (3 lbs size)
- Thermometer
- "Flat Black" spray paint
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Processes
- Weather and Climate
- Solar System
- The Sun
- Earth Processes
- Life Sciences
- Human Body
- Health and Nutrition
- Human Body
- Mathematics
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Measurement
- Rate
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Heat Transfer
- Energy
- Light and Optics
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Nature and Environment
- Outdoor Activity
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
- 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, National Weather Service,
