Why are Compact Fluorescent Bulbs More Efficient?
Source Institutions
-
Colorado State University
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In this activity, learners explore the relative efficiency of different bulbs, specifically incandescent vs. fluorescent. Learners will observe that energy "wasted" from an incandescent bulb can be used to run a solar cell toy. Then, they will experiment to find out what happens to the solar toy when they block infrared light by placing Thermashield and colored gels in between the toy and lamp.
- Under 5 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- Over $20 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- Small desk lamp with incandescent bulb
- One solar grasshopper, or other solar toy
- Gel filters in cyan, magenta, and yellow
- Rosco Thermashield protected in a small sealed plastic bag
- Other light sources
Subjects
- Engineering and Technology
- Technology
- Energy and Power
- Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Energy
- Energy and Power
- Light and Optics
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Reflection and Refraction
- Sunlight and Color
- Energy
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Formulating Explanations
- The Scientific Process
- The Nature of Technology
- Technology and Society
Informal Categories
- Toys
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- touch
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
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Access Rights:
- Free access
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Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Little Shop of Physics, ©2009
