What does Color have to do with Cooling?
Source Institutions
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Colorado State University
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In this demonstration/experiment, learners discover that different colors and materials (metals, fabrics, paints) radiate different amounts of energy and therefore, cool at different rates. Learners predict if the aluminum or white cylinder will cool the fastest and then collect measurements at 1-minute intervals to find out. This activity can be related to a discussion on earth systems and global warming. Note: this activity involves some waiting time, so plan accordingly.
- 10 to 30 minutes
- 10 to 30 minutes
- $1 - $5 per group of students
- Ages 8 - 14
- Activity, Demonstration, Experiment/Lab Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
- English
Quick Guide
Materials List (per group of students)
- 2 digital thermometers
- 2 aluminum cylinders with holes for the thermometers (one bare metal and one painted white)
- Mug warmer
Subjects
- Earth and Space Science
- Earth Processes
- Weather and Climate
- Earth Structure
- Atmosphere
- Earth Processes
- Mathematics
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Data Analysis
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis and Probability
- Physical Sciences
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- Heat and Temperature
- Thermodynamics and Entropy
- Energy
- Light and Optics
- Electromagnetic Spectrum
- Sunlight and Color
- Vibration and Waves
- Vibration and Waves
- Light and Optics
- Heat and Thermodynamics
- The Nature of Science
- The Scientific Process
- Conducting Investigations
- Gathering Data
- Formulating Explanations
- The Scientific Process
Informal Categories
- Nature and Environment
Audience
To use this activity, learners need to:
- see
- see color
- read
Learning styles supported:
- Involves hands-on or lab activities
Other
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Access Rights:
- Free access
By:
Rights:
- All Rights Reserved, Little Shop of Physics, ©2009
