How does color affect heat absorption?
During this inquiry lesson students work outdoors to collect temperature readings every minute from 9 different colors being exposed to solar radiation. It is best to complete this inquiry lesson on a clear sunny day, which can be exciting for students to be doing science outside. Students will collect temperature readings every minute for 20 minutes of heating (in direct sunlight) and 20 minutes of cooling (out of direct sunlight). Each color will absorb(during heating) and release heat (during cooling) at a different rates. Students are asked to create a Google Sheets data table to enter their data (which can also help with creating a graph). Once complete, students will connect how color affects, or plays a role in the application and construction of different materials we buy, wear, and use everyday.
This lesson was originally created for my 7th grade students, but being that it is summer time I had to use a much younger group of students. This turned out to provide me with a new perspective on the lesson; especially how I can make better, more appropriate modifications for students. Working with a younger group of students also gave me an appreciation for their genuine excitement for learning. It was so great to see kids be curious and ask questions because they were honestly discovering new science concepts.
