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COLOR AND HEAT ABSORPTION

3rd Grade Science Unit 2: Light and Sound

GLCEs:
P.EN.03.11 Identify light and sound as forms of energy.
P.PM.03.51 Demonstrate how some materials are heated more than
others by light that shines on them.

A common misconception at this age is that while light is reflected

by mirrors, it remains on other objects

Students need to see:

Light energy can be converted to heat or thermal energy when
certain materials absorb it. Some materials are heated more than
others by light that shines on them.
Dark materials absorb more of the visible spectrum of light. The
absorbed light energy is converted and is released as heat energy.
Since more of the spectrum is absorbed there is more energy that is
converted to heat. Light colored materials absorb less and reflect more
of the light spectrum (less energy) so less energy is released as heat.

Vocabulary:
light source
forms of energy
thermometer
degrees Celsius
light absorption
light reflection

Colored Sand and soil, colored papers, hats?

Thermometer to see relative differences (emphasis on warmer and
cooler)

Materials:
1. a thermometer (preferably an indoor/outdoor thermometer because
they have the largest temperature range)
2. a 1’ x 1’ piece of heavy corrugated cardboard
4. a clock
5. sunlight (If you’re short on sunlight, use a with a halogen floodlight,
at least 100 watts. A halogen bulb is a good choice because it has a
high light intensity and its light spectrum is very similar to sunlight.)
6. six pieces of construction paper ) in white, red, black, green, violet,
etc
Procedure:
A simple way to measure how much light energy is changed to heat
energy by measuring the changes in its temperature:

1. Separate the children into small groups

2. Have the children cut 2 inch squares of approx. six colored paper
squares. Make sure each group has the same colors.

3. Have the children predict which colors will reflect the most light and
which colors will change the most light into heat energy. Have the
students use crayons to record their results on their lab sheet.

4. The children should lay their colored papers on a piece of cardboard

and let it rest under a light source (sun or flood light). Make certain
that all of the papers are exposed to the same amount of light. (see
below)

5. If using a lamp, set the lamp so the bulb is 2 feet away from and
perpendicular to the cardboard. Turn the lamp on.

6. Wait 30 minutes, and then have the children use their hands or
cheeks to organize the papers form least to greatest temperatures.

7. Have the children use crayons to record their results on their lab
sheet.

8. As a class, see if all of the groups agree with the order.

9. Discuss results.

Student experiences should include multiple opportunities to use light

bulbs and sunlight to heat a variety of materials including light colored
sand vs. soil, light colored paper vs. dark paper, light colored hat vs.
dark hat.
Extension:

The instructor will demonstrate to children that other substances such

as sand and soil will also convert light energy to heat energy.

Materials:
Centigrade Thermometer
2 or more paper plates
Dry sand, Dry soil(s) to fill each of the plates
Source of light

1. Fill the plates to the same depth with the dry soil or sand. Do the
same with the rest of the plates. Lay a thermometer on each of the
substances.

2. Allow the plates, soil/sand and thermometer to rest in the sun

source.

3. Have the children predict which will reflect the most light and which
substance will change the most light into heat energy. Compare the
readings on the different thermometers. Then discuss the results.

The darker, dry soil should absorb more heat. If the substance is wet,
the evaporation taking place will cool it as will as any other substance.

As another extension, have the children bring in hats to school. They

can then predict which hats will change the most light energy to
heat energy and which will reflect the most light. Have the children
touch the hats and put them in order for coolest to warmest. This
should lead to a discussion of wise clothing choices for a sunny day.

White and light are the cooler colors on a hot sunny day. Dark and
black will warm us on a cool sunny day.